I have a John Deere 318 with an Onan engine.

When I try to move the mower it wants to die after the hydrostat safety switch is released. If I "tie" down the safety switch I can drive it, but it dies as I hit the mowing deck.

Any hints on what to replace?

Thanks,

Rod Hite

I first would replace the hydro switch. That seems to be the initial problem. You could temporarily jumper it to verify the problem. Do not leave the jumper wire in as a fix. Safety switches are in for a reason