Motor runs great, after blades are engaged for a little mower quits.

@chooch Sounds like a fuel/air issue to me. Since it engages the blades and then dies can't really be attributed to the safety switch under seat. If that was the case the blades would not engage at all.

Try checking the carburetor. Sounds like the valve controlling the flow (choke) controlling the fuel is swelling when engine heats up and restricting flow of fuel to engine. Shutting it down lets the valve cool and allows it to reopen.

While you are servicing this problem you should also check your spark plug, air filter & fuel filter to ensure you are providing the best fuel flow possible.

I would drain the gas out of the tank, and put in fresh gas. And I would add some Seafoam (https://seafoamsales.com/small-engines/) additive to the fresh gas. Then crank the engine. If it will run for just a minute with the new gas / seafoam mix in the tank, the seafoam will have the chance to clean the gunk out of the fuel system.

I had a situation just like yours - it would run a minute, then die. I put fresh gas with seafoam in the tank and cranked it. It immediately started running like new, and has been for a year now.

my craftsman E130 runs perfectly but as soon as I engage the blades its start stuttering and backfiring and feels close to a stall. Getting progressively worse. My blade action feels rough so I will check the deck for seized pulleys and the like and get back to you if it works. If you find the answer please put down the champagne and let us know.