Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower died while mowing, now solenoid clicking, transmission pulley, belt tension

Question
I have a Craftsman LTX1000 with standard transmission, model #917.272453 , bought in 2001, and after doing my Spring maintenance it is shifting very hard into gear now. It was fine when i lat mowed in the Fall. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Steven

Answer
The drive belt may be sticking causing the transmission to shift hard.  If the belt tension is not completely removed from transmission pulley there is pressure on the gears making it difficult of the shift pins to slide.

Do you have all the gears and reverse?  Will the transmission shift easy with the engine shut-off?

Peerless mst-206-545c transaxle

Let me know.
Eric