Hello coxman82
The mower should freewheel backwards when the clutch trigger released.
I suggest a simple test - given what you have said.
Remove the final drive chain.
With hand on landroll sprocket do the following.
The sprocket should turn freely clockwise (and you should be
able to hear the 6 pawls 'ticking' in their housings.
The sprocket should lock anti-clockwise, signifying the engagement
of the pawls for driving the landroll forward.
Also, the rear rollers should be free to turn in any direction
when the engine is stopped and the trigger is free.
Your initial post said the engine was stalling on trigger engagement.
I suspect a seized landroll or pawl system. This would be unusual.
Hope this helps.
----------------------
Jack
