Sometimes when I start my Statesman 25Hp 46in cut riding lawn tractor it starts right away other times, while holding the start key in the on position, it sounds like something is charging up before it starts. What could be my problem?

Wahjah, June 2009

Thanks John; but nothing turns, before the mower actually starts, ntill aobut 5 - 10 seconds after holding the key in the on position.

Wahjah, June 2009

If you're talking about a whining noise from the starter motor, it sounds like your battery is a bit flat. If the battery is fully charged, the starter spins very quickly, causing a toothed gear on the starter motor to fly up the shaft on the starter and engage with the flywheel teeth, spinning the motor and hopefully starting it (this is called the bendix gear). If the battery is below par, the shaft will still spin, but only slowly, eventually causing the bendix gear to engage with the flywheel. Its all that I can think of, anyway!

John, June 2009