"I have a Craftsman LT1000 riding lawn mower, 17.5 hp 42' cut. It is about five to seven years old. It starts normally, but dies when I try to drive forward or backward, or when I try to engage the mowing deck. It dies immediately, indicating to me, that it might be a safety switch. But I am not very familiar with the switches on this model. Other than the seat switch, which I have checked, and is not causing the problem. Does anyone know the exact location of a safety switch that may be causing the problem? Thanks in advance for anyone who may be of help."

Ddd the seat switch is the only one that can do this,
I don't know how you checked it ,but it could have a closed circuit or open circuit switch,
Try it with the switch unpluged then try it with the switch jumped it should work one these ways,
LUCK

I'd agree, safety switch under the seat, but also tell us will the tractor keep running and running fine for several minutes and only die when attempting to engage something. It would run forever if you did not try to move , right? I have several LT1000s and they are not all the same. One has a 2 wire safety switch under the seat and the other has a 3 wire. Like DG says, some kill the engine when circuit is open and some kill when circuit is closed. To test raise the seat and disconnect the plug into the switch. Inser both prongs of a continuity tester, one on each contact. Pressing and releaseing the switch should show that you are making and then breaking a circuit, does it?

Thanks DG for the info. I will inspect the seat switch further.

Ah ha! You were correct. I evidently did not check the switch as I had origionally thought. It was stuck in the open position, and is working properly now. Thanks again for your advice and attention to my problem.

Ha! It was the seat switch after all. Mower is running fine now. Thank you for your help and suggestions. It is much appreciated.