Riding Mowers & Tractors: Why does my riding mower creep in neutral?
A lawn tractor with an automatic transmission that moves when you have the motion control lever in the neutral position is dangerous. Adjust the shift lever to eliminate creeping.
A zero-turn riding mower shouldn't move when both drive levers are in the neutral position. Adjust the neutral control so the zero-turn riding mower doesn't creep forward or backward with the drive levers in neutral.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RIDING MOWERS & TRACTORS PROBLEM
Adjust the neutral control on a zero-turn riding mower
If your zero-turn riding mower creeps forward or backward when you have both drive levers in the neutral position, pull off the back wheels and adjust the neutral control to eliminate movement. Check for movement in neutral after each adjustment. Continue to adjust the neutral control until the riding mower stays still in neutral.
Adjust the neutral control on a zero-turn riding mower
How to adjust the neutral control on a zero-turn riding mower
If your zero-turn riding lawn mower creeps forward or backward even when in neutral, adjusting the neutral control should fix it. Follow the steps in this DIY repair guide and video.
Adjust the riding mower motion control lever neutral position
On lawn tractors with automatic transmissions, the tractor shouldn't move when you have the motion control lever in the neutral position. If the tractor creeps forward or backward in neutral, adjust the motion control lever's neutral position. Loosen the lever adjustment bolt and move the motion control lever until the tractor stays still then tighten the adjustment bolt firmly. Refer to the owner's manual for your lawn tractor to adjust the neutral position if this procedure doesn't match your tractor's drive system.
Adjust the riding mower motion control lever neutral position
Symptoms common to all riding mowers & tractors
Repair guides common to all riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
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Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up.
Articles and videos common to all riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
Learn how a blade removal tool makes replacing the blade easier and safer
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