It sounds like the device that holds your clutch IN, and acts like a parking brake, is activating every time you push the clutch in. You should be able to see this if you follow the linkage. Have someone push the pedal in and see what's happening. It sounds like you have a safety switch problem. If you can make your starter work with your battery, the problem is probably a safety switch or maybe a bad ignition switch or wire that fell off at the switch. Check your fuse too. Be sure the unit is in neutral, the clutch fully in, the PTO turned off. Try moving the shifter, or pedal, a little bit off neutral with the key turned to start. If you have a neutral safety switch, you may need to go slightly towards forward and reverse to make contact.

I once asked a local repair tech about some of the problems that had been brought to him. Some of the "won't run" probs: no spark plug intalled, no battery installed, NO GASOLINE in tank, battery cable disconnected. "Won't cut": no blade, no belt, did not know how to engage PTO, deck so clogged with grass that blade couldn't turn. My motto has become: Check the obvious things first.

Hi All, Thanks for all the tips; you actually helped me solve my issue (the clutch did not engage). Two years ago, I decided to buy a “Portable Car Battery Charger” instead of keep buying new battery every winter, which apparently was the root-cause. I used the “Portable Car Battery Charger” to jump-start the tractor then disconnected it and start plowing but this year the clutch did not engage. Apparently, the clutch need some power from the battery and since my battery is dead it simple didn’t engage. So, as a "temporary solution" I ducted tape the “Portable Car Battery Charger” to the tractor hood and I keep it connected after the initial “jump-start” and the clutch (and me) are happy. Next week, I will get a new battery for the tractor and a “Battery Buddy” to keep the battery alive during the summers. Hopefully, this post will save others some time & $$

You probably need a test light to see what is going on. I agree with the previous suggestions that wrong parts may have been installed or connected improperly. Check ground wires for continuity. Also look at the safety switches to see if they are adjusted or packed with grass. Problems like this require in depth knowledge of the electrical system. This was a very nice older mower that is well worth maintaining. The horizontal shaft engine has been out of production for about 10 years. The blower housing and baffles on the engine should be removed to clean the cooling fins.