Make sure the gears are engaged. There are 2 metal hooks on the rear of the mower, 1 on each side, if they are pulled out the mower is out of gear, make sure to slide them over so they retract back into the mower. If not the problem, sounds like either broken drive belts or the transmission isn't working properly.
Suggest you watch the following videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHH_Tcufx4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n76HGuMPqNE
The videos are not the exact model but are an excellent primer.
Check that belts and friction wheel/disc are in good condition. Look for loose linkage in the direction/speed select. There are kotter pins (some models) that may fall out of the linkage connections and cause issues with direction and speed control.
Remove transmission cover for easy access, see 2nd video.
Select a forward speed and note location of friction WHEEL relative to friction DISC. Better yet, mark the DISC with a sharpie where the WHEEL meets the DISC. Now select reverse/speed and note the friction WHEEL has moved to a point on the opposite side of the center of the friction DISC.
Moving the wheel to the opposing side of the disc effects change in direction. Moving the wheel farther from the center of the disc increases directional speed. A simple, yet effective, and relatively dependable mechanism.
So to increase reverse speed, you need to adjust the linkage so when you select a reverse/speed the friction WHEEL is at a point further from the center of the friction DISC.
I havent done one of these in awhile. However, study the following link which is the diagram for the dirive section of your model.
https://www.troybilt.com/equipment/ARIPartFinderView?catalogId=14102&langId=-1&storeId=10001#/Troy-Bilt/31AS62N2_Storm_2410_24%22_Self-Propelled_(2010)_31AS62N2711_(2010)_31AS62N2766_(2010)/Drive_System/76906277-A/769062770009
Note part #s tagged 40 and 41. I'm reasonably sure this is where the adjustment is made. Before you make changes, follow the shift lever mechanism from knob to friction wheel and look for missing or loose bolts and pins. Also, video 2 showed how to determine a worn friction wheel and disc that needs replaced. Snap several before and/after pics from different angles for your records.
Further; This adjustment will decrease the forward high speed, but that's likely not a concern.
Good Luck,
CJR
I will presume that you are talking about the PTO for the blades? Go to you tube, type in "how to remove the PTO on a Troy Bilt RTZ50"...you will get videos of how to do it.
Good luck...
Make sure that the blades are not in the engaged position.
It will kill the power to start. Also have the transmission in park or neutral. Make sure that all battery connections are clean and tight.
Sucks but true in most cases. Have seen this happen before. it's because if the types of fuels and if your not using non ethanol it can gum one up. They will tell you you'll need to use ethanol treatment if you don't have any stations selling non ethanol. I would suggest a good cleaning and rebuild would cost less. Seafoam is good to add to feul to help clean. I use it in mine and autos also. Supposedly newer mowers are supposed to be able to use these be fuels but doesn't seem that way. Good luck
