Mower deck Craftsman 917.28851 mower blades do not engage

[rsowersby]

I am new to this forum and new to diy mower repair, so I don't know much. I own a Craftsman Lawn Tractor 917.28851, 21.0 HP, 42" mower, about a year old. It has worked great for us until this problem came up.
The mower runs and drives fine, but the blades don't engage when the lever is moved. As far as I can tell, the belt is still good, and the idle pulleys and the blades turn as they should when the deck lever is disengaged. What else should I check and how?

Thank you

 

[Ifixdit]

I am new to this forum and new to diy mower repair, so I don't know much. I own a Craftsman Lawn Tractor 917.28851, 21.0 HP, 42" mower, about a year old. It has worked great for us until this problem came up.
The mower runs and drives fine, but the blades don't engage when the lever is moved. As far as I can tell, the belt is still good, and the idle pulleys and the blades turn as they should when the deck lever is disengaged. What else should I check and how?

Thank you

Check your safety switches starting with the seat switch [easiest to get to :wink and make sure they are all connected properly. Does the clutch have full travel when you press it with your foot? Look under the mower with the engine off and move the lever to engage the blades. Does it move the idler pulley, apply tension to the deck belt and release the blade brakes? Just a few things to start looking at. Good luck!!