I own a 5 year old scotts riding mower 17HP 42 inc. The mower keeps stalling when I engage the lever for cutting operation. It usually takes me about 5-10 minutes to get it running then seems to be OK. There seems to be a problem with the clutch pedal, but I don't know if this is the problem. I changed the gas filter, but have the same issues.The engine also backfires when it shuts down initially. Any Suggestions that can solved my problem I never has this problem until this year.

Thanks

Whens the last time it was tuned up ?