Old GTS5 blade won't engage.

[crazy charlie]

Has been the most reliable mower ever.Always starts 1st pull and always engages blade when lever is pulled back.Worked fine
on last use before winterizing.Started yesterday on 1st pull after being stored since Nov. All seemed normal but blade would not engage.
I did notice that while warming up the motor kinda bogged down a bit when trying to engage the blade.seems like something has decided
to bind up while in storage.Need your experience please.Charlie

 

[crazy charlie]

Maybe I will post a pic ?? I know someone here is familiar with this issue.Charlie

 

[slomo]

Great mower. Too bad the clutch sounds like she is soured. Might see if you can take it apart and clean her up. I have no clue if that is possible. Perfectly good mower and some silly clutch fails. I never buy pushers with blade brakes for this reason. Good luck with it.

 

[Rivets]

When was the last time the belt was changed? I’m guessing that it is time to replace it. Please post the model and serial numbers, I should be able to find you a part number and service manual. Slomo, if you knew a little more about the GTS models, you would know they do not have a clutch.

 

[crazy charlie]

Thanks guys!! I think I remember the silver id tag coming off last fall while washing it but I will have a look.
The handle operation is one I have never seen before on any mower.Where is easiest access to the belt??
I am leaning towards

 

[Douglas Lee]

Does it have a control cable, or linkage?
Thanks,
Doug Lee
*

 

[crazy charlie]

Does it have a control cable, or linkage?
Thanks,
Doug Lee
*

Trying to post pics.There are 3 cables at the left side of the handle.One goes as throttle and the other 2 go the mechanism
that engages the blades.There are also what looks to be adjustment nuts in the middle of the 2 cables.

 

[crazy charlie]

Does it have a control cable, or linkage?
Thanks,
Doug Lee
*

 

[crazy charlie]

handle

 

[crazy charlie]

Found the tag