Help with JX75 self-propelled mechanism

Hi all,

New member here - Long time MTF member, much smaller yard now so needing help with a JD walk behind. MTF was indispensable to me while repairing my PowerKing and several Gravely's. Looking for some help here in Michigan - its finally sunny and I can see my grass, which reminded me that my mower is broken! Here is the issue:

I have a John Deere JX75 walk behind with a Kawasaki motor - on my last mow before the winter I was cruising around as usual no problems when I felt a “pop” on the cable engaging the self-propelled mechanism and lost power to the wheels. Immediately turned off the mower and looked for any parts on the ground (didn’t find any). Now the cable to engage the transmission is slack, but appears intact.

So today I got it out of the shed and turned it over. The transmission is crammed up in a tight space and I can’t see much. I bought the mower used, and have never tried to work on something like this. I’m really at a loss for where to start. Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks in advance!

-LP

P.S. As a side note, I need a new blade for the mower. I’m mulching and wondering if anyone uses those gator blades? Like them or hate them? I’ve always used traditional blades, but thought I’d ask what people like.