Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy Built/MTD tractor stalls when i attemt to engage PTO, blade area, pto belt

Question
HI,

Troy Bilt 13AG609G063 with a 42"deck. B&S 19hp Intek Twin, model 407777, Type 0124E1, and code 000918 G.
I am trying to get me tractor going for the year. I was able to use it for a couple of hours in order to aerate my yard.
The engine starts fine and runs fine, but I went to mow the lawn and as soon as I tried to engage the PTO the tractor stalls. If I try again and push the PTO handle all of the way the engine stalls and I can smell burned rubber.
I had someone else try while I watched the belts and the problem seems to be that the PTO belt wont go. The pulley that the belt rubs and burns on is  the engine pulley...I think. Someone suggested that a pulley was stuck  or rusted.
I have the new belt (954-0497), but don't want to install until i resolve the problem.

Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Hello Howard:

The Burning Belt is a Give Away for the Cause of this Problem. Check the Idler and Mower Deck Pulleys. Check Under the Mower Deck and Make Sure Nothing is Jamming the Blades and Preventing them form Moving. If the Blade Area is Clear, then a Mandrel (Tower that has the Bearings and Shaft that Hold the Blade) has a Bad Bearing or the Idler Pulley is Frozen. I Suggest you Remove the Mower Deck and Physically Check the Mandrels and the Idler. Make Sure they Turn Free and are Making No Grinding or Roaring Noise when Turned. They Should Turn Smoothly. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John