Have Craftsman LT1000 17.5hp 42" yard tractor it starts and stays running, as long as I keep my foot on the brake. Once I lift my foot of the brake it dies, like running out of gas. This also happens when I try to engage the blades.

Is there some tensioner or pulley I should be looking for that is causing the problem? I looked underneath while my wife pumped the brake pedal and moved the blade engage thing but didn't see obvious breaks or anything.
HELP PLEASE!!

Thanks

Jerry

I think it the safety switch under the seat. Look for a wire there and a safety switch. Also the springs in the seat as you sit is usually the grounding contacts to let the safety switch know someone's in the seat to drive/run steer the mower.

While sitting on the mower, and pressing down on the brake, the mower starts and runs fine. It's just when I lift my foot off the brake or try to engage the blades.

I think the safety switch works fine as if I try to start while standing nothing happens or if I get off the seat the engine stops.

Thanks though

Jerry