Craftsman self propelled walk behind lawn mower sef propel handle will not engage..the wheels will turn if you hold the handle down but the handle won't lock in........is something broken in the gear box?

Leave aside all the puffery about 3-1 and such, you described a front wheel drive (pull) walk-behind (FWD), but are asking why the rear wheels won't propel. When you push down the hand grip the front wheels should spin free. Whan you lower from wheels by releasing pressure on hand grips, turning wheels lowered to ground should propel the mower along with its unpowered rear wheels now turning be ground contact. Reminder, never, ever lift rear drive wheels of any mower off the ground while walking behind with engine running:

1. You could be struck by blade propelled object.
2. You could pull mower and spinning blade backward onto your feet.
3. You could lose balance and be pulled forward in a fall.

Contemporary FWD mowers are recognized by a black chain housing on deck top leading from engine to left front of deck. RWD propelling chains are situated underneath deck so cannot be seen from above.

id bet the belt is old and stretched that provides the drive part to front wheels , this is why it squeals when you want it to go !!

a new belt installed usually takes care of this

yes it could sounds like the cable is out of adjustment remove cover to see if belt still mounted and how to engage selfpropepelld adjust cable accordanlly

Down behind the back wheels should be knobs on each side for folding. The handle will fold down on either side of the mower on top of the deck. var geo_Partner = '1890d1e7-e721-4f9c-b474-1a19eda23e94'; var geo_isCG = true;

Toro 20016 self propelled walk behind when the wheels are engaged it moves, when the wheels are not engaged, the wheels look up.
What should I do to fix the problem

What is the exact model number? There are lots of 650 series mowers

try putting new bail one it and see what that dose 9 out of 10 that's what is

Is the lever pushed up where the self propelled should be engaged? Yesterday, my wheels stopped turning. I have a break in the cable that goes to the self propelled. I will have to replace the cable.

if it is a belt driven drive check the belt for tension or break. or check the cable that engages the drive wheels.

Take off the cover up front on the self propel. Engage the self propel and make sure your cable is not broken. If that is ok then remove the wheels and inspect the molded cogs on the inside of the wheels and make sure they are not stripped out. If they are stripped go to www.sears.com and on the tool bar click on parts direct. Under model number enter yours and it will take you to a parts diagram. Get the part number for the wheels and go to local small engine parts dealer and get new. You can also do a search on the web for the wheels and maybe get them cheaper.

Good luck and let me know if this helps or you need any more help.

roundo4