I just bought a Craftsman 24HP riding mower 2 months ago. Just today when I was mowing the lawn it died in the middle of cutting. After I disengaged the cutting blades, I was able to re-start it. But every time I rotate the engagement lever the engine dies. The belt/pulleys seem to be working fine. The blades rotate by hand then the mower is off. I am stumped.

Possibly one of the safety switches is defective. Check locations from diagram on Parts & Accessories | Shop & Find Lawn & Garden, Appliance Parts at Sears Parts Direct | SearsPartsDirect.com from Sears (http://www.searspartsdirect.com)

Rem the spring assy that is installed in the seat switch. That switch if not working right will cut off your mower