Thats the one safety I would eliminate without much worry. I have a 18hp Craftsman and had to rewire the electric PTO, the old wires got against the exhaust and burned. I don't know what we did, but we bypassed all the safeties. I would try to start with the PTO on , in gear!!! You could get off while mowing, the seat switch so many ppl hate didn't work either. It was a lose cannon. Not safe!! It blew a fuse and I replaced it, that is all I touched, that I know of, although I did have to move some wires to get to the fuse holder. And everything started to work correctly again. The old GT18 is on it's last legs and I went to lowes and looked at the pony. Didn't talk to a salesman, it will be spring before I purchase something. I didn't know it wouldn't mow in reverse, not a big problem in my yard. I did notice and didn't like the fact that the Plastic Gastank, is under the cowling, with the motor!!!! I really can't spend alot for a mower right now and have two acres to mow. They put the john deeres in front of troy builts and huskies,and thier nice, but higher than my budget. I posted this in the lawn tractor forum also, but thought I would tack my question onto this post, like a rider on a bill through congress. Do you like your troy built pony? Does it get the job done? Would you recommend one to a friend?

OK, did you route it like it was before you changed the belt. usually on the deck or up under the tractor there is diagram that shows the proper routing... If you are sure you routed it correctly then maybe the belt too big. Usually if not paying attention routing the belt around the idler pulley (with the spring attached) get screwed up. when looking at the belt the v should be in the pulley grooves and the idler pulley usually FLAT and the back of the belt run around so the Flat part of the belt on the flat pulley. The spring pulls the belt tight and when you push the brake peddle it loosen the belt thus stopping the motion of the tractor by detaching the engine from the rear transaxle.. If the tractor was moving before you worked on it I think if you study it you will find out the problem???

Well thanks,but, I guess I need know the normal operating rpms under load for a lawm tractor operation. Sorry, didn't ask the right question. kurf

Thanks for your replies. Called my local dealer and they think it's the carb (of course, they always do...long story) and think it may have to be cleaned. His exact words were "sucked something into the carb." No idea what that means. Called about warranty and it's 50/50 whether they cover carb issues. They cover broken parts, but not cleanings/wear & tear. Going to try and replace the air-filter but I'm doubtful that's going to do anything. Thanks again.