Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murray riding mower, drive pulley, power path

Question
Have a Murray riding mower.  Has run fine.  Today, while mowing, kept wanting to die.  Turned it off, then back on, now whether engaged or not, blade doesn't engage.  It seems like the belt is too big now.  

Answer
Hi Charlie,

You will need to trace the entire power path from the driveshaft to the blades.  Look for a binding or slipping problem.  It could be a loose or worn belt, a grass clogged deck, a missing spring on the idler pulley, a frozen blade spindle bearing or a bad drive pulley.

Let me know what you find.
Michael