I have a 17 hp riding mower, started great, but when I put in gear it dies, any suggestions.

SOURCE: MTD 12.5 HP Ride On Mower won't stay running

It could be a needle valve sticking or a mal-adjusted float but more common is a fuel filter that is restricted, once you use up the fuel in the line and float bowl it runs out and dies. A less common but easily tested issue is when the mower has run for the amount of time it begins to sputter and die, loosen the cap on the fuel tank just a bit, if it helps or resolves the issue the vent in the cap may be clogged.

SOURCE: Poulan Riding Mower will run in neutral, not in forward or revers

you have safty switch on the mower one or more are bad there are three of them
win you put in reverse some mower will cut off this is a safty device on some mower

SOURCE: When I put the mower in gear, or engage the

Sounds like the seat safety switch is shorted or worn out. You can test it with a short length (about 6") of wire. Strip about a half inch from each end of the wire, unplug the connector under the seat and plug your "jumper" wire in to each side of the connector (NOT the seat switch) If it now works, replace the seat switch

Testimonial: "Thanks. The problem was the seat safety switch was loose and not fully engaged. When I plugged it in correctly, everything worked!!! Thanks again."

SOURCE: Craftsman riding mower wont accelerate

Have you checked the condition of the belt which transfers power from the engine to the transaxle? It could have slipped off a pulley; or, even worse, it could have broken. This belt is often difficult to access without removing the mower deck.

If the belt is in place, and you still get no movement, you likely have a transaxle problem.

SOURCE: John Deere ride on mower L100 17 hp.

my ride on runs well for 5 miutes then just stops wait a few minutes starts right up but does this over and over some help please