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

Question
I have a murry 8.5 hp30 riding lawnmower that wont
go forward or backwards. It starts fine, In the middle of cutting my gas it slowed then stopped.
can you help? I believe it is a 1996.

Answer
Hi Pamela,

You will need a helper to carefully look under the mower while you try to drive it.  Watch the drive path from the engine pulley, to the belt, to the transmission, to the rear differential.  Look for the part that is not turning and that will show where the problem is.  Hopefully, it will be only a broken belt.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael