I have a 18.5 hp 42" electric start craftsman mower. when i went to engage the blades the lever was harder to move than usual and once it was engaged nothing happened. blades not turning! please help.

When you move the lever and engage the blades you are also engaging the belt that drives the blades and sits on top of the mowing deck. Chances are that belt either came off one or more rollers, or broke. The only way to check it out is to get down and look on the top of the mowing deck. Get back and let me know what you find.

I read the suggestions,that were were given. there is another suggestion,you may try. The cable,from the cable clutch assembly,coming from under the control panel to the mower deck,may be pinched or crimped. When looking at the cable,you will see the outside,not the inside of the cable. Inside the cable there is a smaller wire cable that actually,engages the mower blades.I had one to kinked,once and it caused the engagement handle hard to move. Hope this helps.Sincerely,Brad Locke