Landlord dies when I hit the deck lift button seconds later i hear a click

[rayzhorse]

I have a Landlord 1998? 18HP Vanguard hydro on the column electric lift No PS. When I hit the electric lift button it dies and all the power is lost ie. dash lights, headlights, ignition. If I wait a few seconds I hear a click (almost like the sound of a starter solenoid ). After the click the mower will start and run fine as long as don't hit the lift button. I thought it was the circuit breaker under the dash so I replaced it. That did not fix it so I am here looking for help.

Thanks

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Scary title. Sounds like the lift circuit has a short and you have an auto resetting breaker that is protecting the system.