My riding mower workes fine fore about 45 mintes then it slowes down wants to move real slow and wont pull my yard sweper anymore. The blades engage just fine, the motor starts/runs fine It just moves slow forward and backward. Any ideas?

check fuel filter and pump pressure starving for gas

If this is a hydro unit and it drives fine in reverse then there is no reason why it will not do the same in forward, there is a variable swash plate in the unit to change from reverse to forward, i would be looking at the linkages, if there is not enough movement it will greatly affect speed, check also that the pulley on top of the hydro is tigh and has not stripped the splines.

Hello, Ask your local Mower shop if they show a Thermal switch for the PTO. You may have to replace it or move it away from the heat.

I would start with the safty switches. Look for them on the deck engager, seat??, break/clutch pedel,blade engager lever. Remember the blade sw. must be disengaged be fore it will start. Ifit runs as you said It is in the wiring/ electrical system. I know it is not in the ignition sw. or seloniod. szm230

Check that the blade securing bolt is secure. While you're there, have somone SLOWLY pull the starter rope. It will be obvious if anything is bent to the extent you describe.

If this machine has a blade clutch, engage blades while you do the pull test (DISCONNECT PLUG WIRE!!!!)

sounds like the blade spindles are binding, many have Zerk fittings to grease them. with belt disengaged try turning the pulleys they should turn easily and have no wobble in them. if either is wrong replace spindle and best to change in sets. this is the most common issue.

the lowerer the deck the more your working the mower. either mow more often or reduce speed

Sounds like it time for a tuneup. Air filter changed, Spark plugs replace and oil changed, plus sharpen the blades while you are at it.

The saftey wires wont cause it to slow down.Thats more of a fuel problem.Check the carb remove and clean the float chamber.Also check advance and ****** springs are still in good working order on carb.

maybe the safty switch under seat might be starting to go out if that switch doesn't work the blades wont come on at all for safety