This little used Snapper had blade clutch control problems - there was
no external adjustment, so it was time to take it apart.
Bladematic by Comet
Actuation lever is to the far left. Three bolts off the engine
mounting bolts hold the external case. The small screw sticking
out of the case on the left center can be used to hold the strap brake
open. The center bolt holds the central shoe assembly onto the
engine shaft.
Outer case and blade brake assembly removed. The brake shoes work
on the shiny part of the hub.
Outer case assembly and the brake shoe assembly - a strap brake
contracts the inner brake shoe assembly and keeps the blade from
turning and the centrifugal brake shoes from opening. The cylinder
above fits between the cylinder and brake shoes you see. Failure
on this unit was merely that the brake shoes had frozen in place. One
sorta worked and the other didn't. All it took was breaking them free
and lubeing the pivots.
Replacement parts may still be available, but I believe they are only
available by subassembly.