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Thank you!!! Single mom here and I changed my gas tank out myself yesterday after being scammed. Tried mowing today and it would die just like yours. Was just the seat connection. Off and going now! Thank you for saving me $$!!

In this mad world in which we live, isn't it great that there are guys like Steve who are prepared to make brilliant videos like this one? The engine on my John Deere LTR180 was cutting out when I engaged the blades and I presumed that some branch might have jammed them underneath. Got the jack out and lifted it up, but couldn't see anything wrong. So what do we all do? Yes, rush to the internet to find the answer, and of course, I discoved all kinds of stuff stored under my seat: gloves, bungee ropes and other unnecessay items. The job took 20 seconds to fix. Wish I could buy you a beer.......

This was so so helpful. I bought a 20 year old D170 with a Kawasaki engine. I was so fired up to try it out. I changed all the belts, oil, filter, etc. Started it up drove around, all worked great. The I engaged the deck and it died. I was so frustrated. I thought I had been taken advantage of etc. Then I found this video. I had no idea. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

got a fix on mine watching this missing seat safety switch, thought a jump wire will work, did not on a electric clutch engagement, took out switch from another mower plugged in tried with no push switch in, then tried with switch manually pushed in, NO kill, now able to put deck on and mow, Dixon Ram44 toss out pick up with many issues, all now appear to be good to go, thanks steve great info for us all

Steve, you SAVED me! I had just finished replacing the fuel tank on my girlfriend’s late pawpaw’s John Deere 155c, and no more leak! Only problem was, when I turned on the blades it stalled, just like yours. Wouldn’t ya know, when I had lifted up the deck to change the tank, one of the connectors under the seat had wiggled its way out. Thank you!!

You are a money saver! I almost went out and bought a new PTO switch until I saw your video. I checked the switch under the seat and WALLA!!! The button had popped out slightly. I zipped tied it closed again and pulled the pto switch and blades start turning. Thank you so much for doing this video!!!

You are the man! Had the same problem, dropped the deck and greased the spindles and nada…. Pretty discouraging. Then I went to you tube and BAM!!! The Micheal Jordan of small engines’s video pops up gives me the solution! Thank you!X10

That was my problem exactly. I had disconnected the seat switch thinking it was faulty and used a hack to disable it. Long story about chasing my own errors, but your video led to victory. Spot on old chap. Perhaps we'll meet one day at a pub and chat about John Deer tractors whilst swilling down pints of Molson. Cheers mate!

Thanks for not making me drink half a beer. Took longer to watch the video than it did to fix the problem. Thanks again

Dude this LITERALLY worked for me! We couldnt imagine what the problem was till i saw yur video! THANK YOU, STEVE!

This just started on my tractor. You solved the puzzle for me! This one of many. I have downloaded so many of your videos.

Thank you for your advice. Went to the shed cleaned the seat sensor and sure enough the blades worked and i cut the lawn. Keep up the good work. I am greatfull for your help.

I had the same issue but did not know it. Spent about 2 hours checking and cleaning everything around the deck / blades. Thinking it was engine issue somewhere. Finally decided to check KZfaq, see if anyone had the same issue. Less than 1 minute of searching and less than 5 minutes of your comical video (too funny). When outside -- check my seat of my craftsman. Saw that the switch had moved off center, adjusted and JUMPED back on. Started the engine and then the blades... AND IT WORKED in less than 15 seconds. AWESOME! YOU SAVED THE DAY... got 3 more acres to cut before the tropical storms-Hanna hits South Texas. THANK YOU - STAY SAVE. Drink one on me!

As a newly single lady I've never had to keep or maintain a riding mower, such a newbie. Your videos have helped me all season with putting on a new deck belt & stalling out due to the seat switch. Thank you! 🍻

My lawn mower had the same problem. Everytime i engaged blades it cut out. I checked the thing under the seat that was fine. Managed to work out the deck spindle had seized. Abit of silicon spray...waiting and arm strength i freed it and now it works great. Proud of myself.

Here it is 2024, and this helped me! Turned out to be the seat switch. Looked like it had vibrated the connector loose just a little. I unplugged and reseated it three times to maybe help clean the contacts. It worked, thanks again, Steve

Steve. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 The second thing I checked after watching your video was the BLADES. I ran over a HUGE STICK or a MINI LOG . It wedged inbetween the blades and the engine wanted to stop when the mower was engaged. Remove the Log,. Problem solved....That was my situation. Just another thing to check if you live in the woods!!!!!

Someone in our neighborhood left a gas Troy-Bilt trimmer at the curb for trash, so I grabbed it hoping I could fix it. It was full of fresh fuel. Pressed the primer bulb and it wouldn’t fill with gas. Simply tightened the screws holding it in place and what do you know, it cranked right up. Gave it to my sister. The little fixes make me the happiest!

Thanks! Your video is still helping more people like me years later

Thank you. Actually solved a different mystery for me. Everytime I would mow on a hillside tilted slightly, the engine would sputter and quit. It turns out, I was leaning the other way to counter weight so I wouldn't tip over and that was just enough to take weight off the seat. Didn't even know there was a sensor there lol. Thanks again!

Even if this doesn't work for my mower, I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Very informative and entertaining 🤣🤣.

U saved my mom and I 100's of $'s. She arranged a pickup for service, I seen this video...... guess what same problem. Next time I'm just gonna bypass it. Thanks alot

You give such a wounded full show. Out does so Manny Other u tubers. Very interesting every time. Thanks again I’m 73 and still learning a lot.

Thanks brother ,it took me two days and a case of beer until I found your video. Your awesome.thanks

'I set there for half a beer...' - Priceless

Thanks so much. Had the seat on my LA145 come off and the switch seemed to work fine for driving around. But after I fixed the seat and went to mow, I had same the same issue as you did. Didn't think it was the switch as again, I could drive the mower around and normally if the switch isn't working it wouldn't let you. But before it went into the shop for 2.5 weeks and who knows how much money, I decided to try your fix. AND IT WORKED! Thanks so much for such a simple fix.

Bingo! My problem started when I ran over a thick rope that got caught in the blades and stopped it dead. After removing the tangled rope from the blades, mower started right up, but killed when I engaged PTO. I had previously disabled the seat switch (years ago, I forget how, unplugged and inserted a jumper?). I plugged the switch back in and now it works fine. Thanks for posted this.

The exact same thing happened to my mower! I watched the video and said, it can't be that easy. I went in the yard and unplugged the connector under the seat. Got on the mower and viola, it started! Thanks so much! I think it's because I've been moving the seat back and forth since my son started moving.

Thank you so much for the video. My lawnmower had the same problem as your. I was trying for 2 hours to figure it out. Then came across your video. Now its working great. Thank you.

No, I don't think the seat switch had anything to do with it. It was the beer detector in the beer holder. If it detected a full beer in the beer holder, that indicates that the rider is not yet primed with the proper fluid before operation and therefore would not allow you to engage the blades. Once you drank half the beer, it allowed you to proceed.

Exact same symptoms on my E130. Checked the seat safety switch connector, but it was tight and secure. I used a floor jack to lift the deck enough to look under with a mirror and found a thick branch had lodged the blade in place where it wouldn't budge, even with tugging on it. Carefully used an angle grinder to cut through the branch until it fell in half and freed the blade - worked fine after that. Mow more often and things can't hide as easily in the grass! Re: the seat switch. Didn't know this existed until I got off the mower to pick up something off the ground and it killed the engine. Scratched head, pushed it back, researched and found out about safety kills like the seat and brake engagement switches. First riding mower, been using the push variety for 50 years. Lessons learned.

Thanks it helped and it took me two beer!!

That must’ve made your day. A good reminder to check that safety switch before you load up and bring it to Steve. 👍

Thanks dude. I owe you a yingling lager. My lawn mower has a metal tongue under the seat and then there's like a push button with a metal top. SoI scraped them down with a wire brush + bent that. Tongue like bar + and put some WD-40 on it. That seems like it did the trick. Plus under the mower deck + where it comes out to go into the bagger and around the pilleys was clogged all the hell. So so far those two moves did the trick. Thanks again!

Hi Steve and KZfaq viewers. I am helping a friend that is havinf the opposite problem. The mower will only allow you to drive forward if the blades are engaged. Any tips or pointers or fixes for this issue? Thank you all! Great videos. I searched this different and I find Steve right at the top of the list!

You rock! This saved me a lot of money and time. Thank you!

I own a Cub Cadet with the same issue. You saved me a lot of time trying to troubleshoot the issue. Loose safety switch was it. Thanks!

I just bought a craftsman lt2000 with a Briggs & Stratton 18.5 with no rust or real visible wear on it for only $60 because the guy said that every time he engaged the blades the engine would quit and right after that the engine stopped starting...it would crank but not start. So...I pulled the carburetor and cleaned it up (that pesky fuel solenoid) and checked under the seat and wouldn't you know it...the connection was bad. It cost me zero dollars to fix this mower and now it runs like a champ. I bought it at first to keep around for spare parts as I already have 2 working craftsman mowers that are newer but now I think I'm going to keep this as a backup. Thank you for the quick fix!

I'm glad they have safety switches so I don't startle myself and spill my beer.

Thanks Steve. That was it. I was just about to lose my mind. I didnt even think about the seat switch. You're da man

Gotta love a easy fix like that👍 I recently bought a Craftsman rider real cheap. The previous owner said the electric PTO was bad... turned out there was so much grass & dirt on the top of the deck the pulleys wouldn't turn. I cleaned it all out, greased the spindles & it cuts grass like a charm!

Just got a new E160 from HD. Brought it home and the PTO killed the engine. Did this fix and it worked! Thank you

Yup! That was the problem!!! Thanks Steve. You’re amazing!!! 😊

2:35 The switch on the seat is actually a dead man switch. It is there so if you rool on a hill of tip over the mower the blades will stop.

Steve - you are indeed a cool guy! Continue to create these helpful videos. I'm going to go out now and see if the safety switch is the problem.......

This helped so much! Just had to mess with the sensor. Wiggled it around and boom! Only took an hour of messing with other things before trying to search it. Thank you!

Had a Husqvarna 2452 die at clutch engagement. The owner had bypassed the seat safety with a zip tie. It allowed the little plunger to stick up just a bit. I put a penny in between it & the zip tie to get it All the way in & boom fully function.

Thanks solved my problem in 30 secs. I clean out the connection and under my seat cushion on a Dixon 46 in zero

I had sort of the same problem. When I sat down on my sofa, the TV would shut off. (You'll never guess where I found the remote.)

My dad had the same problem today inna hustle 0-turn, and this video just pop up on my suggestions.Now I'm letting him know what he can look after. thanks a lot!!

Thanks. Looking forward to trying this tomorrow morningl My husband is at his wits end. Thanks, if this should work after this, WE'll send you a big bunch of hugs. Stay safe.

First let me tell you from one Canadian to another you save my life I’ve been struggling with this John Deere L1 10 for weeks I happen to unplug my seat a while back and I had trouble with the blades engaging went out there plugged the seat switch back in works like a charm thanks again. I did replace my spindles and blades.

Thanks, this happen to me yesterday, checking out blade clutch, Much check safety switches.

Great info my John Deere is doing the same I'm hoping this will fix it wow that simple I never would've thought of that

Thank you Steve, that’s exactly what mine is doing

I had the same issue with my Sears Craftsman DLS 3500 riding mower. Good thing I found this video or I would still be trying to stupid my way though the problem. The fix wasn't exactly the same, but it pointed me in the right direction.

You rock bro. Literally got me a 1 minute fix! Cheers! 🍻

I said the same thing. (What now?) Went out back lifted the seat and sure thing: It was unplugged. You saved me. Thanks Steve!

EXACTLY what it was. I didn't plug it in tight enough when I plugged it back in earlier. Thank you Steve!

You are a genius, same problem with my Deere, same fix, back to mowing and happy as hell. Thanks

Great video Steve. I personally hate safety switches, but I know they probably a good thing, especially for some people who aren't savvy in running equipment.

Thanks for the video! Dang seat switch got me!

Had to chuckle when you were on your tractor pondering!! What could it be!! As a guy with a pretty high cylinder index, from snowmobiles or snow machines as you call them from your great country, to boats, motorcycles mowers, blowers and so on and on and on. Latest count is a cylinder count of 54! Seems like too many!!! So when the next season comes along I always find out how I did on my winterization, summerization(that’s not a real word) but you get the idea. How i did in preparing for storage. Thanks again. Love your channel.

Dude. You are awesome. I was about to pay for this thing to get picked up and serviced.

Thank you for the video. It helped me . I am going to add that I had bypassed the seat safety switch so I didnt think it was that, I used compressed air blew out plug and worked fine.

Thanks, Steve. I had a "now what!!!" moment. The plastic edge broke clean off the seat switch on this L118 so it doesn't stay in the seat anymore. I was literally moving across an already mowed area when it just went kaput. The dealer is closed until Monday morning so a stainless pipe clamp holding the switch down is keeping me mowing (and now the engine doesn't cut out if I go over a bump...). I promise not to stick my fingers in a running mower deck.

John Deere E140 had this exact issue. Lifted the seat, pushed up on the connector under the seat....the blades now engage without stalling the motor. This trick worked just fine for me.

Exactly what was killing my engine too! Thank you Steve-you saved the day for me again!! I prolly would have wasted hours and hours trying to figure this out, instead it took 30 seconds.

Thanks Steve, left the engine running, ran inside clicked the video and Voila, no more PTO problem.

Thank you for the info and HELP. I have been TRYING to fix it, wasted a lot of time. Now it works great, thank you again...👍

I suspect the plug was never all the way in, those click plugs are pretty solid once they're in all the way. I have a 5 year old Ariens tractor and I'm going to check all of my plugs. Thanks for another great video Steve!

I'm surprised that you didn't already have it bypassed. Nice video as always sir.

Thanks again Steve, you saved me a lot of aggravation and a hangover of trying to figure this out.

Thank you very much I'm going to try that I really been trying to figure out why this is going on thank you very much I'm going to try this tomorrow Time for a beer 😂🎶👍🏿

Steve, my JD X300 was stalling this spring coming out of storage. I left it overwinter in my unheated garage with a full tank of treated gas and the battery on a trickle charger. It started right up and ran great for about half an hour and then stalled, like it was running out of gas, yet the tank was full. After 10 minutes, away it went only to stall again. I watched this video, out of many, because it has the word “stall” in it so I checked the seat switch - very dirty. Cleaned it, still stalling. Took the fuel line off the fuel pump inlet to see if the filter was blocked when I heard air being drawn into the hose! Turns out I hadn’t put the fuel tank gas cap on properly in the fall, I didn’t turn it until it clicked! I guess the vent wasn’t working so fuel wouldn’t go through the hose. Remember to turn the cap until it clicks, just like your car gas cap.

Steve, Thank you so very much. We were having the same problem that you described until we replugged in the seat switch and now it runs great.

Dude!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much...i had the same exact problem and I'm not very good with the wiring so this haf me stumped....after I watched your video I tried ur fix.....i laughed for a half hour after I got the blades to engage because it was such a simole problem....felt luke an idiot but I got er done.....thanks man!!!!

Excellent Steve thanks from Melbourne AUSTRALIA 👍🤠

Thank you! Fixed it for me. The seat switch was very slightly out of place and I would not have noticed if I hadn't seen this.

Wow thanks you would be surprised how hard it is to find anything that shows you how something operates just operates you buy something doesn't come with a book you get it used and you got to figure it out for yourself

Thank you SO MUCH - my frustration level was at an all time high - your video saved the day.

steve thank you very much for showing me how to fix my mower it had the same problem that yours did, it would stall every time I tried to engage the mower, it was the seat switch

I will try that fix tomorrow and also test the switch for continuity.

Just changed my belt and while off the mower and having it started and trying to engage the blades it died everytime, took a break after about 15 min of trying to figure it out and guess what I WASNT SITTING ON IT thanks for the tip lol

Drank a whole beer watching the video 😂😂

Watch your videos every night! Il have to get some irish Guinness sent over to you 😊 great job as always keep up the good work!!

Thank you, worked like a dream. I just disconnected the switch, reconnected it and the problem was fixed!!! Great advice, thanks.

You probably just saved someone a service call. It’s the little things that get you sometimes. Great video as always.

Thanks Steve. It worked. Same scenario.

Thank you so much. This fixed my problem. Now I don’t have to cuss the people at TriGreen

Thank you for the info and help,. I have been trying to fix it, NOW it works great...🙂

Mine is doing the same thing. I thought it must be the clutch. I took it out and it’s seems to be binding. $135 later with new clutch install it’s still stalls when I engage it. The funny thing is I started it while I was stand next to it. It stayed running. The clutch manufacturer says it has to have 12 to 13 volts or it will ruin the clutch. I check the voltage at plug to the clutch. I got zero voltage, but it still died when I pulled the clutch button. I got to thinking about all the nanny switches on there and how it started and ran with no weight on the seat. It won’t do that again btw. I didn’t check the seat switch yet. I’ll do that tomorrow. Thanks for the video. Have another beer for he.

Going to try that fix now! 👍

Fixed it!!! Yo you are the Man!! Thank you so much.

I checked the reverse safety switch, the brake switch and 30 seconds into your video said "Oh Crap, The operator present switch". Sure enough. Now for that beer and a half. Thanks

Yep. The little plastic clasp that keeps the switch connected broke from weathering and the switch was slightly pulled from the connector. I pushed it in and the blades would engage again. Thank you!!

I just had the exact same problem with mine and your video help thank you

Bingo! Thanks, Steve for fixing my LA175.

Thanks so much for your advices Mr Steve! Is really helpful learning from your expertise! Greetings from NC!👋🏾