Lawn tractor blades not engaging. Craftsman 21 hp 46" Model No. 917.28852

[boogiesmom1985]

The belt is in place, idler pulleys both turn. While belt is disengaged I can easily turn the left blade and watch the Mandrel pulley turn. When I try to turn the blade on the right side (debris exit side) the blade and pulley do not turn easily. Is this normal or do I have to replace that Mandrel pulley? Thank you in advance.

 

[ILENGINE]

If you have manual blade engagement, it could be there is a brake on the right spindle and not the left.

 

[boogiesmom1985]

Yes, it is a manual lever to engage the blades. What would a brake look like and would the Mandrel pulley have a break engaged when the lever is not engaged ? Sorry or my ignorance, thank you for your reply.