In search of a dedicated small engine community I come here.

I have an older husqvarna frontrider with a hydrostatic transmission. While checking the transmission oil I noticed that the fan had broken of most of the blades.

Looking at the transmission cover I can see that it has been grazed by the blades, suggesting that the fan has been pulled sideways.

The oil check was part of a small service, that I was doing since I had to replace both belts going to the cutting deck as well as the belt in the deck. Those belts died when the belt tensioner, in middle of the mower, came loose and dangled beneath the mower.

My questions are these:

1. WTF?
2. If the belts have pulled that much in the engine driveshaft, as to do this, what else would you look for before starting the mower again?
3. Given that it's about 10°C outside, would you run the mower without a fully functioning fan?
4. Have I missed something? Any wisdom you wish to impart?