Scag mower won't engage

[coolbrze]

I've got an older Scag 36" WB & went to flip the switch to engage the mower deck this a.m. & nothing happened. The mower itself runs fine (12.5 Hp Kawasaki FB460V), but the deck won't engage. Any ideas where to start w/ the electronics? The walkbehind has been sitting in the shop all winter. Here's a pic to give you an idea of it.

 

[capetrees]

probably just some built up corrosion in the plunger after the winter sitting round.

 

[ronnyb]

Check the wires that go into the clutch for the blade engagement. Pretty common for them to corrode away right there. I also like your recoil handle.

 

[nvr-enuf]

Unplug the electro magnet clutch, make a jumper harness with alligator clips, connect one alligator clip to negative post of good 12V battery. touch other alligator clip to the positive post. You will then determine with known good voltage source whether or not your clutch is latching / sucking in - should make a pretty good noise. If it does, then you need to work backwards and figure out why you are not sending 12V to the clutch when you go to engage.