I have a 42" 17hp twin IC automatic MTD Yard Machine bought in 2000 that has me scratching my head. I was cutting the lawn when I hit a high spot ( small mound of dirt ) and the blades caught it. The mover bogged down and died before I could disengage the PTO lever. I disengage the lever, restarted the mover, and first encounter the problem. The mover dies when I release the brake pedal, even in neutral, whether I am sitting on the seat. I had to heel/toe the accelerator and brake to get it back into the gargage. The only safety interlocks that I know of are the seat while brake is released, PTO engaged reverse, and brake on to crank. Where do I start troubleshooting? Thanks.

My guess would be the seat safety switch. It's just odd that it happened at that moment...