7 Reasons Why Your Husqvarna Riding Mower Won't Move Forward Or Reverse

A well-maintained Husqvarna lawnmower can handle tough mowing tasks with ease. However, a common problem that can occur is when it fails to move forward or backward properly.

Husqvarna lawnmowers won’t move forward or backward for many reasons. It can be caused by a worn-out belt, low level of hydraulic fluid, missing axle key, and whatnot.

Turn off your Husqvarna and disconnect the spark cord before you work on it. Be very careful when working near a hot transmission. Carefully determine the cause and take measures accordingly.

Why The Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Move Forward or Reverse?

Once you find out the reason, you can easily find out what you can do about it. That’s why a list of possible reasons and solutions is given below:

1. Worn-Out Drive Belt

The drive belt in a Husqvarna riding mower is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the mower to move forward or reverse.

When the belt wears out, it can slip and lose its grip on the drive pulley or transmission, which can cause the mower to suddenly stop moving forward or reverse.

This problem occurs especially if they are used extensively over a prolonged period.

The Fixes

To fix a worn-out drive belt on a Husqvarna riding mower, you will need to obtain a replacement belt of the correct size and type for your specific mower model. For this information, refer to the mower’s manual or manufacturer’s website.

Once you have the replacement belt, you will need to follow these steps to replace the old drive belt:

Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
Locate the drive belt on the underside of the mower and remove any guards or covers that may be covering it.
Carefully release the tension on the old belt and remove it from the pulleys.
Install the new belt onto the pulleys, making sure it is seated correctly in each one.
Adjust the tension on the new belt to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
Reinstall any guards or covers that were removed earlier.
Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the mower to ensure that it is running properly.

2. Low Hydraulic Fluid

Low hydraulic fluid levels can prevent a Husqvarna riding mower from moving forward or backward.

Hydraulic fluid helps power the drive system, and if the level is low, the system may not have enough power to move the mower.

It’s recommended to check the fluid level and add more if needed. If the fluid levels are consistently low, it’s possible that there is a leak somewhere in the hydraulic system that needs to be addressed.

The Fixes

To fix a low hydraulic fluid level issue on your Husqvarna riding mower, you need to check the fluid level and add more if needed. Follow these steps to add more hydraulic fluid:

Park the mower on a level surface and turn off the engine.
Locate the hydraulic fluid reservoir under the hood of the mower. The owner’s manual will also indicate the location of the reservoir.
Remove the cap from the reservoir and check the fluid level. The level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the dipstick.
If the level is low, add the recommended type and quantity of hydraulic fluid until it reaches the “max” mark on the dipstick.
Replace the cap back onto the reservoir and ensure it is secured properly.

If the fluid levels continue to be low, there may be a leak somewhere in the hydraulic system. Ask for professional help at this time.

Read Also: Others Common Problems User Face with Husqvarna Riding Mowers

3. Damaged Axle Key

An axle key is a small part that helps to connect the wheels to the axle shaft. If the axle key is missing or damaged, the wheels won’t receive the power needed to move the mower.

When the axle key is broken, the wheel will spin rather than turn the axle shaft, resulting in the mower not moving.

The Fixes

To fix a damaged or missing axle key on a Husqvarna riding mower, follow these steps:

Park the mower on a flat surface and turn off the engine.
Locate the axle key on the wheel that is not turning and remove it. You may need to use pliers or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out.
Check the axle key to see if it is damaged or worn. If the key is bent, cracked, or worn down, it will need to be replaced.
Obtain a new axle key that matches the size and shape of the old one. Husqvarna riding mowers typically use a standard square-shaped key.
Install the new axle key by sliding it into the slot on the wheel and then inserting the axle shaft. The key should fit snugly into the slot and prevent the wheel from spinning freely on the shaft.
Test the mower to ensure that the wheel now turns when the mower is put in gear. If the problem persists, check the other wheels to see if they also have damaged or missing axle keys, and repeat the process as necessary.

4. Worn or Faulty Transmission or Hydrostatic Drive

The transmission and the hydrostatic drive on a riding mower are parts that can wear out quickly, especially when used frequently.

If the transmission or hydrostatic drive wears out or fails, it can prevent the mower from moving forward or backward. Over time, leaks and component failures can occur.

The Fixes

The method to fix a worn-out or failed transmission or hydrostatic drive on a riding mower depends on the specific issue. Here are some general steps to consider:

Identify the specific problem with the transmission or hydrostatic drive, such as leaks or component failures.
Consult the owner’s manual of the riding mower or seek the assistance of a qualified technician to determine the appropriate method of repair or replacement.
If replacing the transmission or hydrostatic drive, obtain the correct replacement parts for the specific mower model.
Follow the instructions outlined in the owner’s manual or provided by the technician to properly install the replacement parts.
Test the mower to ensure that the transmission or hydrostatic drive is functioning properly and that the mower can move forward and backward.

5. Air in Mower’s Hydraulic System

Your Husqvarna lawn mower may move slowly or not move at all if the transmission is filled with air more than there should be. You must get rid of the air from your Husqvarna gearbox.

The Fixes

Place the gearbox on a flat surface.
Take wheel chocks and put them on the mower’s front wheels so that it stays still.
Lift the tires of the back drive by using jack stands.
Spin the tires back and forth until the weird sound stops and the wheels start moving at a consistent pace.

Take a look at the operator’s handbook for a better understanding according to your Husqvarna mower model.

If yours is a zero-turn mower, then you need to be using drive-releasing handles on the rear to open the bypass valve. Then,

Restart the mower, and increase the engine to a fast stop while releasing the brake pedal.
To remove the air from the system, move the driving levers back and forth about six times.
Shut your mower down and press the brake pedal.
Shut the bypass valve. You need to repeat the process again.
Restart your mower, disengage the brake pedal, and move back and forth using the drive levers for forward and reverse. Continue repeating this process until your mower’s gearbox stops generating abnormal noise as well as the wheels travel at the exact pace.
Seek help from the operator’s handbook for a clearer idea according to your Husqvarna model.

6. Heated Hydraulic Fluid

When you use your Husqvarna riding mower with unclean or insufficient hydraulic fluid and the oil is unable to lubricate the mower’s hydraulic system the way it should, the additional friction overheats the hydraulic oil.

If the oil gets overheated, the mower becomes unable to move. Heated hydraulic fluid will potentially cause more serious damage.

The fixes

If the lawn mower doesn’t operate properly while it’s heated but works fine when it’s cold, gets your mower’s gearbox checked by an expert.

7. The Bypass lever of Mower’s Manual Transmission is Not Working

Some users may encounter with their Husqvarna mower is when they use the bypass lever to move the mower manually and do not release it when finished. This can prevent the hydrostatic transmission from properly running the mower’s wheels in the correct direction, leading to issues with the mower’s movement and operation.

Additionally, forgetting to turn on the gearbox can also result in the mower’s failure to move properly.

The Fixes

To fix this problem, you can push the riding mower by hand using this lever transmission bypass.

What should I do if my Husqvarna mower is brand new and not moving properly?

If you’re facing issues with a new Husqvarna mower not moving forward or reverse, it’s recommended to contact your local authorized service dealer for evaluation and repair. It could be a manufacturer defect that should be addressed promptly.

Can I fix my Husqvarna mower not moving forward or reverse on my own?

While some issues with a Husqvarna riding mower not moving forward or reverse can be fixed on your own, more complex problems may require the assistance of a professional. It’s always recommended to consult with an expert if you’re not sure how to proceed.

Related Post: Who Makes Husqvarna Mowers: Detailed Brand Information

Final Words

The Husqvarna riding mower won’t move forward or reverse. Isn’t that the most annoying thing ever? If your riding mower isn’t moving back or forth, then we’d suggest you find the reason behind it and then come up with a solution.

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7 Reasons Why Your Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Move Forward Or Reverse