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tractor starts/runs just fine. manual blade engage, not electric. if i try and engage the blades while stationary....it kills the motor. if i engage the blades while it's moving....all is good, engages just fine. there a safety switch somewhere? if so, i'd really like to bypass it instead of replacing it. any ideas?

Is this Yardman a single cylinder or a V-twin model?

The engine numbers would be helpful.

Are you trying to engage the blades while at too low of an engine RPM?

Can you drive along with the blades engaged and they will quit if you stop moving?

Single cylinder. Tractor model is 13ax614g701. Doesn't matter if it's running wide open or idle. You try to engage blades when tractor is stationery, engine dies. If tractor is in forward motion, blades will engage with zero problem.

Check the reverse switch and wiring. I would bet that the system is thinking the mower is in reverse when in neutral.

Does it have a mow in reverse position on the switch try running it in this mode if it does.

Does it have an odd switch on the dash that has the letter RIO faded away? (Reverse Implement Operation)

Like others have said, this sounds like a reverse safety switch position adjustment for the shifter.

There have been some strange mower safety designs over the years, but it was all done with the intention of preventing accidents or injuries.

That is a strange one???

Here is a owners manual from sear parts direct.

Auto Doc's said:

Does it have an odd switch on the dash that has the letter RIO faded away? (Reverse Implement Operation)

Like others have said, this sounds like a reverse safety switch position adjustment for the shifter.

There have been some strange mower safety designs over the years, but it was all done with the intention of preventing accidents or injuries.

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From the parts diagram this mower has the straight keyswitch with no RIO override. owners manual states will kill the engine if put in reverse with the deck engaged or while trying to engage the deck while in reverse.

ILENGINE said:

Check the reverse switch and wiring. I would bet that the system is thinking the mower is in reverse when in neutral.

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had local guy mention it might be ignition switch because it will not shut off with key, will start. replaced, cleaned connections on plug, now it starts and stops fine.

still have the engine kill while engaging blade issue. where is this reverse switch located?

sodakmow said:

had local guy mention it might be ignition switch because it will not shut off with key, will start. replaced, cleaned connections on plug, now it starts and stops fine.

still have the engine kill while engaging blade issue. where is this reverse switch located?

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Its item 24 on this diagram. Located behind the direction control on the right side of the transaxle


Also check the wire for bad spots that could be grounding out

ILENGINE said:

Its item 24 on this diagram. Located behind the direction control on the right side of the transaxle

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Also check the wire for bad spots that could be grounding out

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and that's what it was. there were 2 wires "one green and one yellow".....that were near the directional pedal pivots. the yellow one was laying loose, with a wire cap and tape on it. the green one i assume was a ground. looked very rusty/corroded. took apart, wire brushed everything up, put new end on wire.

now, blade engages anytime, and doesn't disengage when i reverse.

thanks for all the help.

ILENGINE said:

Its item 24 on this diagram. Located behind the direction control on the right side of the transaxle

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Also check the wire for bad spots that could be grounding out

Click to expand...

That switch #24 is down at the base of the shifter. It is similar to my old 50" cut Huskee Garden tractor.

Auto Doc's said:

That switch #24 is down at the base of the shifter. It is similar to my old 50" cut Huskee Garden tractor.

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No shifter, this is a foot controlled hydrostat. and from the diagram can't determine real well where is actually connected. But appears to be located on or close to the hydrostat direction control on the side of the transaxle

Hello ILENGINE,

You are correct. It's on the right side of the transaxle assembly for this model. My old Huskee garden tractor is a manual transmission with a variable speed function. A similar switch is next to the gear select lever, under the operator platform.

ILENGINE said:

Its item 24 on this diagram. Located behind the direction control on the right side of the transaxle

PartsTree - Home of OEM Parts for Outdoor Power Equipment

We are committed to providing you with the largest selection of OEM parts from the best brands, the best diagrams and part search tools anywhere.

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Also check the wire for bad spots that could be grounding out

Click to expand...

On some machines IF you have a Reverse switch, the wires can rub on the Manual Shaft under the dash and short out.

Gord Baker said:

On some machines IF you have a Reverse switch, the wires can rub on the Manual Shaft under the dash and short out.

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On early versions of the MTD mow in reverse it would become inoperable if the headlights were burned out or disconnected.

Old thread but wondering if you figured it out? I didn't see where anyone asked if you were sitting on it when it shuts off when engaging the deck, or if you're not sitting on it when it quits?