I have a Sears Craftsman model 917.254611 that will not engage the blades. I have checked the belt and it is loose. Should the belt be tight or should there be play in it? If this is not the problem, what else could it be?

Rusty Boye, July 2006

blade will not engage on my honda hrx 217

steve, May 2012

could possible be the switch that engages the blades or the relay. worst case is the electric clutch (pto drive) is bad

Grinch, April 2007

There is a spring in the front where belt goes over pully, mine came off and that was the problem. See if spring has came off.

Dee, August 2006

Belt is the only thing I know of. I was fixing my mower today and the same thing happened....after I replaced the two bent blades. Anyways....

Make sure your blades are on nice and tight!

Make sure the belt is completely on its tracks. There shouldn't be too much play in the belt either, from what I understand. If there is, it is easy for it to slip off, and then the belt ends up breaking. Mine broke about 20 minutes after I replaced my blades!

Chuck, July 2006