Did some mowing earlier today. Afterward tried to mow again and found that the blade will not engage.
The lever doesn't move as it should. Belt is still intact. Some apparent problem with linkage. It has a slight bow in it which I don't think is normal. Has anyone had this problem? I need to figure out exactly what is wrong so I can fix it. Any ideas? Where to start? Thanks.

Jerry C., July 2010

I had removed the battery several years ago, but left the batter hold down bolts. Upon further investigation I discovered that one of those bolts had fallen down and was not allowing the idler pulley to fully engage. It is amazing that it took several years for this to happen. The hold down bolts are now removed and the mower runs and mows great. Not bad for a 1984 model. Go Yazoo!!

Jerry, July 2010