Stalled in high grass/CANNOT dis-engage blades- to restart ride on mower

[gads]

just bought this wonderful late 90's craftsman 42" riding w/ 13.5 hp engine. Mowed 90% of grass/weeds here in the high desert of Az. and stalled the engine...(1) shifted to neutral,(rolled it to make sure I was in neutral) tried to disengage blade-will not disengage..(afraid to force it) so I can restart mower w/ key. Any help appreciated!

 

[bertsmobile1]

:welcome:

The reason it stalled is there was too much load on the blades
So you are going to have to get under the mower and free the blades.
If the PTO will not disengage then there will be debris stuck under there or the belt may have even jumped off and wrapped arund the PTO mechanism.