Clutch or T-drive??

[Bassackwards]

I have a Dixie Chopper 60" with a 27HP Generac. I was mowing last week and the engine acted like it locked up. It abruptly shutdown and wouldn't turn over. I took the drive belt loose and the engine freed up and would start and run again although it sounded rough (ran smoothly but there was an unusual noise coming from somewhere). I don't know if it's the clutch or the T-drive. What else would cause this and how can I track it down in order to repair? Also, I am having trouble finding a site to do a serial # lookup for information about my mower. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[mechanic mark]

Owners Manuals - Dixie Chopper

Manuals are in PDF format which requires a free program Adobe Reader in order to view them after downloading (this program is probably already installed on your computer). Instructions for installing and help topics can be found on the Adobe Reader Help page.

www.dixiechopper.com

Your idler pulleys for drive belt may have worn out bearings, click on above website for your mowers illustrated parts breakdown after inspecting idlers on mower.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY

 

[Bassackwards]

Thank you Mark, I will check them!
Question: if I removed the belt, what would be making the awful noise? The belt isn't turning the idlers.