A power wire gets connected directly to ground when you reverse
So most likely a chaffed wire near one of the lap bars .
Try putting each side in reverse one at a time
IF the fuse blows only on one side then have a good look at the linkages from the lap bars back to the hydro for a pinched, chaffed wire .
Before you go too far order some plug in breakers like these off Evilpay oz
blade fuse breakers which will save you a dozen trips to the auto store for more fuses.
I use them for diagnosing as I can hear them pop off ( usually ).
These cheapies will not stand up to being used as a replacement for the fuse in a mower full time , ( well none of mine any way ) but I suspect the more expensive marine ones would last longer but spending $ 15 a pop to find out is money I could use for a nice bottle of red .
AFAIK there is no reverse cut out on your mower