Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 17.5 hp will not move!, craftsman lawn tractor, switch harness

Question
Eric,
Thanks first off for offering your services on the internet and to
people who need it.  

Ok!  I just was given a Craftsman Lawn Tractor 17.5 HP, 42"
electric start and automatic transmission.  I would say it is two
years old.  Model number is 917.272680 if that makes any
difference.  But anyways it will start fine but when I go to put it
into drive it will not move.  I start with my foot of the clutch,
then turn it on, and then i will put it into drive and slowly release
the clutch and then the engine just dies.  I know that the
transmission is engaged because there is a lever on the back
that we checked and it was correct, and we know that the
parking break is off...my dad and I are just stumped at what it
might be.  This tractor belonged to my grandparents and I would
always use it at their house and it always worked...but now it
just stopped when I got it over to my house..I have read the
manual and there seems to be nothing about this...thanks for
your help...

Grant

Answer
It's probably a safety switch.

There is one on the seat, clutch/transmission and one on the deck.

Check the switches; follow the wires by hand until you find the switch.  Many times just unplugging and reconnecting the switch harness will fix the problem.

Let me know what you find.
Eric