Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): battery not charging, briggs and stratton, battery cables

Question
Have an Ariens rider 46 inch cut with a 22hp briggs and stratton 2 cylinder. Just purchased new spring 2012. The battery is not charging. it will start fine and engage the mower fine for about 5-6 starts then i have to charge the battery. Wondering if the regulator is bad.

Answer
Do you know which charging system you have?

Check out the link below on how to check the regulator.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/support/frequently-asked-questions/engine%20cha

Do you have a volt meter?  DMM?  

I would start by connecting a volt meter to the battery, with the mower off, and read the voltage.  Leaving the meter connected to the battery, start the mower and see if the voltage rises when the engine is at full speed.

Have you dis-connected the battery cables and cleaned the battery terminals and battery cable ends with a wirebrush?  I've fixed a lot of charging issues by just cleaning the connections.

Eric