Don, my snapper has the same problem except my mower works just fine when I engage the blade. It only cuts off if the blade is not engaged and I release the brake. I talked to a friend who works for a small engine repair shop and he told me that snapper mowers have three safety switches. One for the seat, blade and the brake. We know that the seat and blade safety switch works because they fucntion as they should when I get off the mower without the brake being on. So this leaves only the brake safety switch and I will replace it when I get back in town. The brake safety switch should be located at the end of the brake cable under the mower in the rear. Just follow the cable to the back and according to these guys I will find the brake safety swtich. He told me to replace it and everything should work just fine.
Steve
July 2007