Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Yardman riding mover-blades wont engage, safety switches, broken wires

Question
QUESTION: Was mowing with my Yardman DLX, 22 HP, 46"cut hydrostatic mower, model 13AU614h755 (1658002) and the blades stopped turning.  The belt is tight and okay but not moving. Could it be a wiring issue?  How can I tell?  I don't see anything broken wires.  


ANSWER: Does this have an electric PTO?  What happens when you try to engage the blades?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I believe it is electric.  When I pull out the knob to engage the blades, nothing happens.  But if I try to start the mower with the knob pulled out, it won't start.

Answer
On the right-hand side of the mower near or on the frame will be a plug with two wires that goes to the PTO clutch under the engine.  Check that this plug is securely connected.

After that, it may become a bit more complicated and require testing with a multimeter.  Some of these tests could be hazardous as the engine will need to be running and safety switches by-passed and if you're not familiar with the system, you can accidentally engage the blades.

It's not uncommon to have the switch go bad or have a wire rub through and if you were cutting in tall grass, you could have just pulled the plug apart.

Let me know if you want to try fixing it yourself if it's more than the plug.  Thanks, PK.