Mu mower is Mountfield Emperor 21. The mower starts ok. Normally when both handles are squeezed the mower should go forward and the blade starts rotating. Today the blade is not rotating and mower does not go forward.

John Mascurenus, September 2010

The Emperor doesn't have a blade clutch- it is a direct drive from the engine crankshaft so if the engine is running then logically the blade must turn. However the drive to the roller is from a belt via a side PTO shaft on the left of the engine- this drive can fail even if the engine due to roll pins shearing or simply because the drive belt is worn/come off/out of adjustment.

I am somewhat confused regarding the engine running but the blade not rotating due to the reasons stated.

Have you checked the blade is actually fitted?

pleasant, September 2010