Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower dies, jumper wire, safety switch

Question
Marc,
My Craftsman 10 hp riding mower starts fine and idles, but dies when I engage the blade and at times when riding it without the blade engaged.


Answer
It sounds like either an issue with a defective safety switch at the seat or the carb is dirty and causes the engine to die.  First, try using a jumper wire to temporarily bypass the seat safety switch to determine if that is the problem.  If the problem remains, the issue may be the carb being dirty and a lack of fuel causing the engine to die.  Hope this helps.