The battery is charged. It has fresh fuel. When it tries to turn over it just makes a continuous clicking noise which comes from something that might (or might not!) be the solenoid. The round bit on top of the engine tries but fails to turn. I've cleaned the plugs too.

Mark, March 2009

Run a jump lead from the positive battery terminal direct to the starter motor connection (under a rubber sleeve at the bottom of the motor. Make sure it is out of gear and everyone is clear of the machine first! If this turns the engine over then it probably is the solenoid. You can find this by following the positive battery lead. After ensuring the battery is disconnected, simply remove the leads (making a note of their position for reassembly) remove the fixing bolts and replace it with a new unit. Your local garden machinery supplier will most likely have one in stock, as all Countax machines use the same two-pole type.

Stokes Mower Services, March 2009

The symptoms are of a flat battery. Are you sure the battery is good? If it has a dead cell, it will cause these symptoms - even if jump started.

If the battery TESTS as good, check for bad connections - in particular check ground connections - battery to frame and engine to frame.

Phil Saunders, March 2009