Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Lawn Tractor wont start, craftsman lawn tractor, craftsman 917

Question
I have a craftsman 917.275684 24hp tractor. For a while now one of the problems I have had is the battery will not recharge during operation so after a period of running I would need to recharge the battery to keep the electric pto running. Thats another issue though. While blowing snow My pto quit working and I assumed I just needed to recharge the battery. After a couple hours on the charger I went to start it and I have nothing. Checked for voltage at solenoid, nothing. Tested starter switch and all looked good there, plus have another craftsman with identical starter that I tried with no luck. Battery tests good at 12v and I can jump from battery to starter and it will start and run but only for a short time. The only questionable thing I found was the seat switch but what confuses me about that is why it should iterfere with starting as Ive always been able to start it, whether in the seat or not, as long as the brake was engaged. I know the switch does cut the enginge with an empty seat if the pto is engaged, in which case would the seat switch still be the suspect or could the pto switch be a factor. I have checked continuity on the pto switch and though Im pretty novice at this I did find different results on the posts depending on if switch was on or off. Would like to know if you think Im on the right track or not. Thanks Doug

Answer
Is the engine a Briggs and Stratton model 445677-0413-e1?

The first thing I would do is check to see if the engine is producing electrical power.  The link below contains great information on how to check the engine charging system.

http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_replacement.pdf

Don't worry about the DC shunt.  I have one but rarely use it.  99.9% of the troubleshooting can be done with a basic meter.

Read the manual and check the engine charging system.  If it is working then you can tackle the mower chasis/wiring.

Electric PTO clutch link:  click on the Garden Tractor Clutch Troubleshooting pdf file.

http://www.altraliterature.com/brands.asp?brandID=2&litType=manual#cat3

Let me know if the charging system is working.

Eric