The 455 - with a 22hp diesel engine. The fuse blew and the mower would not start. Replaced fuse - now it starts but when I engage the blades the mower dies and fuse is blown again.

Any suggestions?

It is posible the eletric pto clutch is going to ground meaning it has a short in the eletro-magnet !

Hi,
Well, I will not agree as the machine does not have an electric PTO as such. The deck is driveshaft-driven from the transaxle. That model can be a bit difficult to troubleshoot considering the amount electronics packed into it. A good suspect would be the PTO solenoid at the rear of the machine. It is the cylindrical piece near the top and slightly to the left on the transaxle close to the fenderdeck. Visible only from the rear and has a pair of wires going to it.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks - I will check the solenoid and thanks for the locator tips.

I did notice that the pto switch (how I turn the blades on) and plug into the wiring harness was very dirty so I cleaned it out and the rusty metal inside the harness (female) crumbled away.

Still didn't work so I will get my trusty test light and start trying to narrow it down.

Thanks so much.

I have worked on a few of these,I have found seveal time ,the wire running tio the rear solenoid has rubbed against the frame and causing it to go to ground,
Luck