My John Deere JX75 self propelled walk behind will not turn. The rear drive wheels turn freely forward and backward but lock when turning at the end of a row. Help!
The rear wheels on the JX75 have a plastic gear attached which is driven by a smaller metal gear that is keyed to a drive shaft. Inside each small metal gear is a simple ratchet mechanism. There is a snap ring holding these gears in place on the shaft and a cavity covered by a washer inside each gear that contains a spring and pawl that allow the gear to ratchet. The spring and pawl must be cleaned and greased since they are probably stuck. IMPORTANT - the gears on each side are identical but one goes on open end first and the other side goes on closed end first. Pay attention; if you reverse one or both gears the wheel(s) will ratchet in the wrong direction (bad). I know this thread is ancient but a JX75 can last forever.
Answers & Comments
The rear wheels on the JX75 have a plastic gear attached which is driven by a smaller metal gear that is keyed to a drive shaft. Inside each small metal gear is a simple ratchet mechanism. There is a snap ring holding these gears in place on the shaft and a cavity covered by a washer inside each gear that contains a spring and pawl that allow the gear to ratchet. The spring and pawl must be cleaned and greased since they are probably stuck. IMPORTANT - the gears on each side are identical but one goes on open end first and the other side goes on closed end first. Pay attention; if you reverse one or both gears the wheel(s) will ratchet in the wrong direction (bad). I know this thread is ancient but a JX75 can last forever.
Sounds like the drive gears/chain need lubrication and are not freewheeling as you turn.