lost first three forward gears on lawn tractor

[theripster]

I have a 1988 model MTD lawn tractor with a 12 HP B&S motor. It used to use all 7 forward gears, but lately I have to put it in fourth gear to make it move forward. 4-7 work fine and reverse works also. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[DIY Guy]

It sounds like a clutch problem. Whether you have a manual or automatic clutch, the symptom of having it easier to get into a higher gear suggests that the clutch is going.

[theripster]

[QUOTE=DIY Guy]It sounds like a clutch problem. Whether you have a manual or automatic clutch, the symptom of having it easier to get into a higher gear suggests that the clutch is going.[/QUOTE]

Is there a way to test it, or will I have to take it apart?

[DIY Guy]

Sorry, I don't have any information about that kind of repair, or a way to test it.

[navy4792]

It's either a clutch linkage adjustment, or the drive belt is excessively stretched and worn. Does the mower travel as fast in the high gears that it will operate in now? or does it seem to be moving slower than it did before in the same gear? It could be the variable speed pulley, If u remove the plate between your legs (where the fwd. reverse knob is and the gear selector) you will be able to see the variable speed pulley. The drive belt will ride at the outer circumference of the pulley when it is in high gear, and towards the center of the pulley when in low gear. If the belt is excessively worn or stretched, there will not be enough friction produced at the pulley in low gears . With engine running, put in 1st gear and observe what happens at the pulley when you ease off the clutch. If belt slips, put in next higher gear and try again. Make sure there are no broken springs and the idler pulley ( a small one that takes up the slack in the belt near the variavle speed pulley) is functioning.