Toro Self-Propelled Lawnmower won't push when propell is not engage?

I have a 22" Toro Self-propelled Lawn mower and whenever I just normally push the lawnmower before I start it, the front wheels are locking up and I have to pull the drive cable back toward me to dis-engage the clutch it seems. It's really wierd. The self-propelled works perfect when I'm running the mower and all. I just can't determine why it's trying to engage when I'm just pushing it.

Answers:
Is it a Toro Personal Pace mower? If so, the self propelled feature is belt driven direct from the motor shaft. As you put forward force on the handle, it starts to tension the belt against the motor shaft. If the motor is not turning, then what's going on is your draggin the belt against the shaft... nothing really you can do about it. This answer will only apply if you have a Personal Pace mower. If you have some other type of self propell feature then the other guys answer sounds logical to me.

Other answers:
Sounds like it has some type of centrifugal clutch on the propel drive. When it is running the propel system is spinning and and therefore engaged, but when off the clutch is disengaged and lets you push the mower. These type clutches are often spring returns, it could be that you have lost a spring or hung up the clutch in the engaged postion.

But hey, I just guessing here.
Sounds like it has some type of centrifugal clutch on the propel drive. When it is running the propel system is spinning and and therefore engaged, but when off the clutch is disengaged and lets you push the mower. These type clutches are often spring returns, it could be that you have lost a spring or hung up the clutch in the engaged postion.

But hey, I just guessing here.
you say the front wheels are locking up so you must have a front wheel drive mower. Take off the cover on the front of the deck & see what is binding up when you try to push.
Been there done that....There is a spring that retracts the belt under the cover once you release the drive...My guess is that the lever is not returning due to the spring or the cable is hung up...follow the cable to the cover on the front...there lies the answer (under the cover)
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