Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Riding Mower blade drive malfunction, belt tension, decent shape

Question
Hi, My riding mower's blade drive will not dis-engage. It is model 917.270680 Automatic trans. 42" cut. 16 OHV B&S engine
I was hoping you could guess what part I would need to get. Thanks, Rick

Answer
There are several parts that can cause this problem.

It is usually easier to inspect the parts with the deck removed from the tractor.

First, before you remove the deck check for obvious items like belt routing...maybe the belt slipped off a pulley and is on the wrong side of a belt guide causing too much belt tension.

If the belt if fine then there could be a broke spring, something stuck or bad brake shoes on the blade pulleys.

There should be a brake shoe on each of the blade pulleys.  These shoes need to be in decent shape and they must contact the pulleys with enough force to stop the blade pulleys.

Have you ever removed the deck?
Let me know.
Eric