Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Lawn Tractor, murray lawn tractor, starter shaft

Question
Why does my Murray Grass tractor squeal loud when the blades are engaged? (Also a few weeks ago it would not start so a new battery was bought. It still had trouble starting and the motor seemed to be froze up, so several times I turned it by hand to loosen it and it finally started.  Not sure if that has to do with the squeal)it may be 7 years old.  Thank you

Answer
Kathy
The reason it squeals is that the pulleys are not turning, make sure the top of the deck gets cleaned after each use. Also there are some grease fittings on this mower that need to be regularly greased especially the pulleys they are spinning  with ball bearings and need to be lubricated.

As far as the engine the valves may need to adjusted,or the timing is out there is a shear key on the starter shaft it the shaft pin gets sheared (due to hitting something or bad belts or bad pulleys.The engine shaft shears to protect the engine from break pistons.push rods and valve stems. You may need to take it to a service center so they can look at it and repair it. This involves pulling the starter housing off and the flywheel with a special pulley.