Ive got a Craftsman Riding Lawnmower that's about 7 years old. The clutch and brake lever are the same. Recently it seems that when I press the clutch, there's no tension. I can change the gears, but the mower does not run. I went to Sears to ask if I can replace the clutch and the salesman told me it's a much bigger problem. He said I might have to replace the entire transmission system and it might be cheaper to just buy a new mower. Id like to think I'm a fairly handy guy and solve this problem on my own. Does anyone have any advice?

Ya, don't go back to that Sears salesman. Start here with your model number and get a download of the manual. Owner's Manual | Find Product User Manuals - Managemyhome.com Look for an exploded view of the pdeal area and you will see a spring loaded tensioner pulley that engages the drive belt. You spring is off or broken.

Do you have and electric cluch did you check your belt tension