Starting issues can happen out of the blue, but arn't totally hard to figure out. First thing to check is the battery. Check the cables that hook up to it, if there is white or any corrosion on it, that could be the problem. Take both cables off and use a wire brush on both cable ends and do this to the battery too. The other thing to check is that all the safety switches are engaged. PTO is off, the parking brake is set or your on the mower, that you are in the nuteral position. Also check the starter silenoid. Some mowers have fuses for them, check that. The other option is to bypass the starter silenoid with a screw driver and see if it starts over that way. Simply cross both of the larger cables with the screw driver and see if the starter kicks in, if it does, you have a safety switch that's not engaged or you could have a faulty ignition switch or wiring problem. If it doesn't engage the starter then you have a battery problem or starter issue.
Good luck on your quest !!
David, July 2007
