Did you get it sorted Micka??
I also have a white outdoor ride on.
Are you sure you have the correct length belts on it?
If you pull the handle off the gear selector so you can remove the cover plate in front of the seat, there is a pulley there that varies the tension on the belt there when you push in the clutch. I would check that the tension is going off this belt, maybe the belt is too short and tension not off belt??
My blades are raised/lowered/turned off/on by the lever on the right hand side. There is a limit switch that engages when the handle is in the up position to cut power to the belt drive. You can see that through the same cover when you remove for above, check that it is working. The pads are only there to stop the blades spinning when not engaged, one of mine is missing totally, don't really do a lot, don't worry about them, sounds like the blades are being driven, so they won't stop them turning.
Hope this helps. Chris.
