I just got a brand new Craftsman lawn tractor, delivered this morning, already assembled even. I read the manual, more than once, filled the gas, checked the oil, checked the tire pressure, did everything I was directed to do. Started up fine and I let it warm up. But whenever I try to engage the attachment clutch (i.e. engage the blades) it kills the engine. I do it slowly, kills the engine. I do it quickly, kills the engine AND the engine backfires. (Scared my neighbor half to death, poor thing.)

Anyone have any idea of what I'm doing wrong here? Or what the problem could be?

It sounds like someone that assembled it forgot to hook up the safety switch. Check manual for locations of those switches. Also the one under the seat is the most common that go bad.

Since it is BRAND new call and get a tech out there and have them show you what's wrong. They put it together.

The safety switch is already assembled on a Craftsman even if the unit comes unassembled. Worth checking under the seat to see if the plug is still in the switch on the spring loaded plate. Is your tractor in gear, if so forward or reverse? Look closely at the ignition switch where you turn the key, many Sears have a new position called ROS, are you in the ROS position?

Yep, it's the safety switch on the rear bagger that seems to be the problem. The bagger fits on the mower as it appears it was meant to, yet somehow manages not to make contact with the safety switch at all. I've tried to rig it to work, at least until I can call Sears tomorrow, but can't come up with anything that will stay in place over that safety switch for more than one pass around the yard.

Thanks for the help. I was getting so frustrated. I'm still frustrated, but at least now I know why.

I thought it was a safety switch. Its amazing how the safety on things like this elevates our blood pressure. Wonder how safe is that? :eek::mad:

There are plenty of good people here to help walk through it. Glad it worked out.

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