I had the same problem. After reading the instructions (Page 7) there is a way to adjust the drive cable that fixed it for me. If you look at the box on the handle that has the two levers to engage the drive system there is a cable coming out of it. Turn the silver part counterclockwise (unscrew it) a few turns and it should make the drive engage sooner. After doing this, I could hardly keep up with my mower. Good luck.