While I was cutting grass the Engine shut down. Pulled the brake up. Push the PTO back down to shut the blades down. I started the engine, engine runs perfect.

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.

You probably have one of those pesky safety sensors that has gone bad. These sensors are the little button activated units located at various contacts points (under the operator seat, the parking brake, drive handle ports, etc.). If the "stall" sounds the same as turning the engine off with the key, then this is probably the problem. If the "stall" is more of a choking down, like when trying to cut high, thick grass too quickly, then you could have a restriction on the deck drive system that is causing excessive drag (belt too tight, damaged belt, pulley bearing, foreign debris etc.).

Craftsman Garden Tractor 917.28746 Engine shuts off when ...

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Craftsman Garden Tractor 917.28746 Engine shuts off when engaging mower deck. 917.28746 ... Then start the tractor and pull the pto button out. If the engine ...

Why does my engine die when the blade is engaged ... - iFixit

https://www.ifixit.com/.../Why+does+my+engine+die+when+the+bl...

iFixitI have an older Murray riding lawn mower, whenever I engage the mower the engine dies, otherwise it runs .... My dr feild brush mower ... cuts off when I engage theblades. ... My Huskee only shut off once I put it in drive with the blade engage.

Riding Lawn Mower Problem - Dies when PTO engaged - GardenWeb

forums2.gardenweb.com > Garden Forums > Tractors

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check to see if pto will engage if not check voltage at pto if non blown fuse if fuse not blown and power to pto bad pto jump the pto at pto with battery in mower does it start pto if does good pto have to check volts at switch check there start with that let me no what happened

if its an electric pto sounds like it

there is a safety switch to shut engine off when backing up

When it starts cutting out and you turn off the PTO, how long do you have to wait until it can be turned on again? It sounds as if your PTO is overheating and loading down the engine. Run the mower for about 10 minutes, shut it off, and carefully feel the PTO housing. Resume cutting and repeat after it starts cutting out.

Replacing it is not as simple as changing the spark plug, but does not require an advanced degree.

You have several safety switches on your unit. The engine should not start if the PTO safety interlock is engaged. Be sure PTO switch is off.
If the sarter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine Brake pedal is not depressed.
or the PTO is engaged.
Battery terminals are corroded. or Fusible Link in starting circuit is blown - (Not likely unless bad wires) Here is a link to your wiring diagram (maybe your model)

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1tOfiS
Notice how the starting circuit goes through the brake pedal (must be depressed) and the PTO switch (must be disengaged) and that the PTO only works with operator present. Print that page while link still works.

I hope this will help you...under the side panels on each side of the mower, there are "reverse lockout safety switches", they are supposed to stop the blades when both handles are pulled back. If one or both of the switches are out, the deck will not engage. Also, under the right side panel (when sitting on seat) there should be 3 relay switches, the one closest to the motor controls the PTO., if this is out, the PTO will not engage.

sounds like safety switch

It sounds like your blades may be restricted when you lower them. A possible solution for this problem would be to remove the mower deck and clean out all the dead grass buildup inside the housing.