So a few weeks ago with the PTO pulled out my blades disengaged. after fiddling with it, and installing a new battery I could not detect the source so off to the shop it went. a few weeks later the shop declared victory and said come get it. Of course I tested it and with 2 minutes I was able to replicate the problem 3 times. The mechanic and I both started looking it over more, with the use of a test meter and determined the PTO switch was good and the system had good power going clear up to the clutch. The mechanic determined my clutch was going out (350 hours on machine) So a new clutch was ordered.. so here's the Problem, you can start the mower, pull the PTO out the blades come right on, however, not every time but periodically when you let OFF of the gas the blades shut off, if you let off then get back on the gas quickly it will continue to operate. if you don't get back on the gas quickly the blades stop, you now have to push the PTO back in, then pull the lever out and the blades restart instantly.. this is not how this machine should be behaving. I think its a 2011 year, however its the 1040 mower. wide open for opinions !