Probably a safety switch gone bad. Check the battery a functional yet weak battery will cause many weird electrical issues even if it has the juice to run the motor it can lack signal to smaller components making you scratch your head in confusion. That's a simple fix worth a try. If not that then check grounds, fuses, safety switches, wire condition and connections.
SOURCE: 18 hp craftsman 2 44 inch cut engine dies when blades engage.
HI
Check wires going to safety switch under seat.
SOURCE: Tractor Will Not Move And Dies When Brake Is Released
I would check the wires and clean the connectors and make sure seat switch is working. If that is not working, it's like getting off the seat without holding the brake/clutch pedal down or getting off seat with blades engaged. Both will cause engine to die.
SOURCE: Craftsman riding mower blades will not engage
maybe the safty switch under seat might be starting to go out if that switch doesn't work the blades wont come on at all for safety
SOURCE: Craftsman GT5000: Dies when switch is pulled to engage blades
I have the same tractor. If you have the transmission in <reverse> this will happen every time. It's a safety feature. Be sure the tractor is in <neutral> or one of the 6 forward gears.
Jim Romines
SOURCE: Craftsman 42 '' 19.5hp lawn tractor gear shift
Sounds like your drive belt may have came off or it needs to be replaced. Take the battery out from under the seat to see if belt is still around transaxle. Sometimes it will jump off when doing a lot of starting stopping
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