...or is it something else?

I have a GT235, it ran fine all summer.

I have a 44" Berco snowthrower on it now, trouble first showed when I'd release the parking brake and the engine would die.

My first thought was the seat switch, I checked it and it has continuity. I disconnected it and jumped the terminals. Engine starts and runs, but when the brake is released the engine still dies.

Next I disconnected the wiring harness from the brake pedal switch and tested the brake plunger switch with an ohm meter. When the brake is engaged and the plunger depressed, the switch has continuity across the terminals, when the brake is released the switch is open, there is no continuity.

Leaving the brake wiring harness unplugged from the pedal switch, I then jumped the terminals on the connector that connects to the brake switch. With the jumper in place, the engine runs. I can release the brake and the engine continues to run. I can drive forward and reverse. However, when I engage the PTO the engine dies.

I then reconnected the seat switch, everything remains the same: Engine starts and runs. With the brake switch connector connected, the engine dies if I release the brake pedal. With the brake switch disconnected and the wiring harness connector terminals jumped, I can release the brake pedal and drive, but if I engage the PTO the engine dies.

When the engine dies, it sounds like a short-to-ground, kill switch death, not a bog down and stall death.

I appreciate any help! There's another foot of snow on the way tonight and my driveway is 900' long. Ugh.