My blades will not engage. Just stopped while mowing. Model 917.273130. Seat operator present switch seems ok. Belt and pullies look ok. Blades not obstructed. Tractor starts and runs ok.

The seat occupied switch energizes the operator presence relay. This relay allows power to the PTO clutch from the PTO switch only when energized (operator in seat).

A simple test

1.PTO switch OFF
2.Ignition switch to ON position.
3.Engine not runnjng
4.Operator in seat

Pull PTO switch. You should hear the the clutch engage with a notable pop. Then turn off PTO and it will make another pop or clunk when it disengages.

Similarly with PTO engaged, if you rise from the seat it should disengage.


Also a failed charging system may allow the engine to start and run but not provide enough current to properly engage the electric PTO clutch. With engine running check battery voltage is greater than 13VDC.

Switch that activates blades went bad or a wire came off.

Check the belt routing. I've had a belt that was a little stretched out grab the pull incorrectly and the force stopped the engine.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_66a56a0239b6ab32

To engage the blades is it a knob to an electric switch that you pull?
If so does the wire from the switch activate a electric clutch?
Is the wire damaged and shorted to the frame, is the clutch shorted. If you provide the brand name and model number I might be able to find a schematic for your mower.

Video shows an electric clutch but yours may be different but this should give you an idea of where to look. Riding Mower Electric PTO Clutch Won Engage When Hot Problem Fix

sounds like a faulty safety switch

check for power and ground at the connector that feeds the clutch this will tell you if its a switch or the clutch itself

if you removed the seat and then placed a fuse in the plug for the saftey switch and then started having this issue . with my experience with the safty switches on the seats most are open as not connected to make a circut when your sitting on the seat or pressure is applied to the seat . try removing the fuse and attempting to start mowing or least ingauge the blades and that should fix your issue ... when removing the origonal seat you just left that curcut open so it can not close and make connection when you get off the seat . so you should be fine after removing the fuse from the socket .. happy mowing

It would depend on what model, but could either be a deck drive problem or safety switch. With tractor off, I'd check the blades for free movement with no binding. If this is ok, then I would suspect the seat switch. The mower will not run with the deck engaged, and no operator present. It could be the seat switch is not making, so when you engage the deck it kills the motor. Test switch

yes it is there is one under the seat & under the dash & there is also one connected to the clutch/ brake peddle which is more than likely the one giving you problems is the clutch/brake peddle switch

I did the same thing. I replace the belt that turns the blades. The pressure of the impact had stretched the belt and was slipping on the pully that engages the blades. Try that first and check the other belts for tension, wear and condition....Also make sure all springs are attached, not stretched, and in good shape...Hope this is helpful....Joe