Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): white mower blades not turning on, cotter pin, mower blades

Question
i have a white riding mower (model #145z836p190)
20h/p 46or 48 inch deck. i acquired the mower from a barn
were it ran before stored 3 years ago. i got the motor running
but now when i hit the switch for the blades. i get nothing
do you think its the switch?
also i cant get the back tire off
i removed the cotter pin and sprayed it down with lube and it wont budge
thanks for your time

Answer
It's not unusual for wheels to get stuck.  I use PB Blaster and rock them back and forth. They can be stuck pretty badly and I've had a couple that just wouldn't come off.  +

For the blades, I wouldn't be surprised to find that something has chewed up the wires going to the pto clutch.  Other than that, the seat switch, the pto switch and the pto would have to be checked.

You can unplug the wires to the pto and check for voltage with the switch on, the engine running and someone in the seat.  You can check the seat switch for continuity both open and closed.  The easiest way to check the pto switch is to replace it with a known-to-be-good switch.  If you've checked these things with no luck, let me know.

Thanks, PK.