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Repair information and troubleshooting for Craftsman-brand riding lawnmowers.

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Why does my engine die when the blade is engaged

my motor dies when I engage the blage

Update (09/01/2017)

Yeah, they spin.

I replaced the safety switch on blade engage assembly, and put a new blade drive belt on.

No change, I also checked the wires on seat switch, they were still connected. I had already ordered a replacement switch so, I decided to bypass the switch, same problem.

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My Troy bilt had the same issue. Would die when engaging the blades. Turned out to be a spring type apparatus located near the shifter. You know when you put it in reverse the engine would stall out ? That's where the spring type thing is located. Once I pushed it around the blades would engage. Check this issue. It may be as simple as this.

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I have a 1 year old Craftsman DLT3000. The motor dies after a few minutes when the blades are engaged. Checked the fuel filter, took carb. bowl off and was no dirt in bowl. seat switch I disconnected and motor runs. the switch that engages after the blades are on seems to be working. Any ideas on what I can do?

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With the engine off. try to spin the blade to see if it is free.

UPDATE

Here are several solutions, some even work ;-)

Why does my engine die when the blade is engaged?

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Yeah, they spin.

I replaced the safety switch on blade engage assembly, and put a new blade drive belt on.

No change, I also checked the wires on seat switch, they were still connected. I had already ordered a replacement switch so, I decided to bypass the switch, same problem.

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Why does my rider die when I put it in reverse with my blades on

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Those with switch probs, and running longer are another story, but those that die quickly when load is applied could be as simple as the idle speed is too low. A linkage adjustment is first to look at, then the air-gas mixture screw on the carburetor.

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I am having the same problem, Just started yesterday 9/26/22. Was running great last week no problems. Now you start the mower ease out on the brake it dies, you ease up on the blade lever it will die immediately when you move it before the blades ever engage. replaced safety switch under seat, No change. I think the answers being given on here are incorrect and not helping, Everyone of them head to the seat or bad gas or frozen pully or shaft, Is the safety switch under the seat the only safety switch on the Mowers or do those other two levers mentioned have safety switches also, The Brake and blade lever. And is there a switch on the park brake? I know there has to be a way of the seat switch to know the park brake is on because it will not shut down when you get off with it engaged unless the blade is engaged. I mean there are many different scenarios here and the posters seem to be zeroing in on one safety switch, Are there more safety switches? I need to know. before tearing a riding mower down so I can see all associated wiring and find out there is no more.

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