Ryobi a.k.a Crafstman riding mower will not drive.

[kevicarlson]

I have a Ryobi 42 inch mower model HDK19H42 manufactured by electrolux, it mirrors a craftsman 42 in model just do now know what Sear's model number it is.
It has a hydro gear transaxle.

The wife and kids had it out and all of a sudden after stopping, then restarting it will not drive. Engine runs fine, brake is disengaged, motion control lever will move to F or R but it does not appear the drive belt is engaging. I checked the freewheel control level and it is in the proper place for the transaxle to be engaged.

Any ideas on where I should start my trouble shooting.

The motion control lever will move easily, just no reaction from the drive belt or transaxle.

Thanks

 

[ILENGINE]

With somebody sitting on the seat and the engine running, look up inside the frame, and see if the belt is actually on all the pulleys and is turning. I suspect either the belt came off, broke, or a spring broke that tensions the belt.