Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poulan Hydrostat, hydrostatic drives, penetrating oil

Question
Hello John,  Thanks for your time.  I have a Poulan pro 42  riding mower with a hydrostat transmission.  When I start to use it each time it does not want to move.  The lever that controls the speed seems to be binding.  I have to rock it back and forth before I can get it to start working.  But after a while it will start moving freely.  While I am cutting with it everything is doing fine.  But after sitting I have to go thru it all over again.  What is going on?

Answer
 Hello Larry:

 How long are you letting this Mower Warm up? It sounds like the Control Valve is Sticking. When the Transaxle Fluid starts to warm up it thins and makes it eaiser for the Valve to operate. Try Spraying Penetrating Oil Beside  the Control Shaft and Let it Set for about 24 hrs. Eventually though you are going to have to take it in for repairs. Hydrostatic Drives are good and last a long time; however they are not consumer friendly when it comes to repairing them. That is a Shop Only Repair. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John