I have a 20.5 hp, 42" Craftsman 917270860. When you release the clutch pedal to move either direction, it dies. I assume it is a clutch safety switch, but can't find it. Some people say it is the seat switch, but I don't see how that could be. If I could find it, I could swap it. Thanks.

SOURCE: Craftsman 16 hp 42 in. riding mower won't run when clutch is released

If the engine feels like it is being choked, then something might be catching or bound up...for example the blades may have been installed improperly and will not rotate. Make sure that you can rotate the blades by hand...if not they may have been tightened and are binding against the mower housing.

If there is no engine choking...then it may be electrical for example a bad fault switch...take it to your mower shop.

good luck

SOURCE: My Craftsman G5000 mower chokes off when I release the clutch

bad ropes safety switch under the seat.

SOURCE: Craftsman 15.5 HP, 42" deck

Check that the seat switch is functioning, pull the seat up and put a paperclip in the switch and try it that way if it works then you need to replace the safety seat switch.

SOURCE: riding mower dies when releasing brake

the seat switch is the problem. the switch itself could be bad, but usually theproblem is that the connector is just not plugged in all the way [by the way, trying to bypass the switch by inserting the wire doesn't work because there is a "switch" inside the connector to prevent you from doing just what you did]

SOURCE: STARTS GOOD BUT ENGINE DIES WHEN CLUTCH RELEASED

cut the wires running to the switch...try again...if same, stripp back wires, and twist together...wrap in tape or use some sort of connector...it's electric and should be treated as such...try again...still ?? Start finding those switches and repeat the process til it works...theres usually 3 or 4...

Testimonial: "Haven't tried the suggested solution but makes sense."