how can i fix my 8 hp rototiller stuck in neutral?

the clutch on one of these usually operates as follows: there is a pulley wheel on the crankshaft of the engine and one on the blade shaft. these are connected by a belt which is too long for enough tension to allow the engine to turn the blades. when you pull the clutch lever, the cable pulls on another small pulley wheel which tensions the belt and pulls it tight. this allows the engine to turn the blades. if it is 20yr old, i put it to you that the belt is snapped or broken or worn away.

steve
May 2005