Craftsman Lawn Tractor runs with the Clutch Push in.But when I let it out it Dies. Why?

Craftsman Mower deck (clutch) Won't engage - GardenWeb

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Jul 1, 2006 - I can push in the PTO switch to disengage the clutch and blades and the tractor starts fine and runs. But as ... If it doesn't lock up, look further into the deck...... Hi I hope somebody can help , I have a craftsman zero turn mower. PTO switch bypass????
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check for spark when it dies you could have a bad coil

you have a bad safety switch on the clutch/brake pedal

You should be able to push it forwards as well as backwards. I had a similar problem (engine stalling) with mine. I found out if I half choke it, it will stay running. Transmission may still have a problem.

Almost certainly it is the park break switch,i would start there.

safety switch somewhere

Clutch bearing is tight.

I would check the wires and clean the connectors and make sure seat switch is working. If that is not working, it's like getting off the seat without holding the brake/clutch pedal down or getting off seat with blades engaged. Both will cause engine to die.

Push the clutch all the way down and try to start, does it crank over?
Let me know.
Regards,

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]