If the machine works in all foward drive selected positions,then there is a problem with the friction wheel positing contol.Follow the instructions in the orners manual concerning removal of the mower deck.Once it is detached look into the area where the friction drive wheel is and see where the friction wheel is in relation to the friction disc assey.Put the freewheel control lever in the engaged postion,move motion control lever between nutral and reverse.In reverse the friction wheel should be about 1 an 1/2 inch from the center on the friction disc(should be in center when in neutral)
Hey Bob,
Thanks for contacting Answer Army. I wasn't able to tell if you were trying to cut your grass in reverse or not. If that is the case, then please follow the below instructions pulled from the Owner's Manual.
Backing up with the deck clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the deck clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM -Only use if you are certain no children or other by standers will enter the mowing area.
1. Move motion control lever to neutral(N) position.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key counter clockwise to ROS "ON" position.
3. Look down and behind before and while backing.
4. Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.
Hi Bob ... did you see my reply to another fellow weedeater WE261 owner with the same issue.
Hi Mark ... I bought my WE261 about 3 weeks ago and the reverse gear worked on the first mowing but then on the second and third mowing, the reverse gear seemed to slip to the point of not even engaging. It didn't matter if the mower blade was engaged or not.
There is a post on this web site that had a similar problem with the forward gears not engaging properly.
The solution mentioned in the previous post said to loosen the two large bolts (one black and one silver, use a 1/2 inch socket) that attach to the bottom of the gear lever and the metal flange by the motor and rear tire. I put the lever into the reverse position and loosed the two bolts. Once loosened, you can slightly reposition the flange plate and the gear shift lever to get a bit more movement of the friction drive plate to the left of center on the pulley wheel. You can see the friction wheel and the drive pulley if you look towards the motor (between the gear fender and the mower blade housing). Retighten the two bolts once you reposition the gear shift lever.
I now have a positive reverse engagement of the friction wheel and the drive pulley. Neutral and all 3 forward gears also work perfectly too.
Hope this resolves your WE261 reverse issue also.
I own a Weed eater one riding lawn mower for two years and it does a great job at cutting grass. While cutting grass today my lawn more would not move forward or in reverse. I tried using the lock on the back to make sure that it was not locked. The back tires seemed to me like they were locked in place so I to pull the lawn up on level ground. Then I tried using the mower to cut grass, it seemed that everything was fine. I mad two passes and the back tires seemed to have locked up again. I could not get the mower to move forward or in reverse. I finally got it on my trailer & made it home. I then jacked up the lawn mower to see what I could find wrong. The tires then started turning backwards & forwards. So I took the mower off of the jack & cranked it up so that I could put it away. The mower was moving very very slow going in reverse & forwards. The mower started shaking & making a clanging noise. I also noticed the bracket on the back by the tire was a bit bent out wards. So can anybody tell me how to fix this issue? If there are any pictures of what I need to look for please tell me where to find them.
Hey Bob,
Thanks for contacting Answer Army. I wasn't able to tell if you were trying to cut your grass in reverse or not. If that is the case, then please follow the below instructions pulled from the Owner's Manual.
Backing up with the deck clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the deck clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM -Only use if you are certain no children or other by standers will enter the mowing area.
1. Move motion control lever to neutral(N) position.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key counter clockwise to ROS "ON" position.
3. Look down and behind before and while backing.
4. Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.