Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower wont start, neutral safety switch, safety mechanism

Question
Hi I have a craftsman 19.5 twin cylinder riding mower that wont start. The first time i tried to start it this year it wouldn't start so i used a battery jumper to jump it off. After starting I drove it out the garage and turned it off. After trying to restart it simply wouldn't start! I tried jumping it but got nothing. after fooling around with it for a few hours i figured it needed a new battery and tried to push it in the garage, thats when i noticed it seemed to be stuck in gear! (and yes it has the hydrostatic transimission) Anyway the next morning i bought a new battery and still nothing! I took off the solinoid thinking that might be the problem but i had it tested and they said it was good, a guy suggested i take the plugs out and try to start it that way.  I did but still nothing so finally i put the plugs in reconnected the battery and was about to give up when suddenly it tried to start, cranked over and everything, however after that 1 time its right back to square 1! also i read in someone else post about a whining noise coming from around the key area, mine does that sometimes.  do you thing by it being stuck in gear that some safety mechanism wont let it start or should i try to replace the starter? thanks for your help!

Answer
Yes, you are on the right track...it sounds like an interlock safety switch..more specifically the neutral safety switch.  when your shifter/lever etc is in the neutral position the safety switch makes the starting circuit complete allowing the tractor to start.  

Now for the hydro being stuck in gear...did you leave it outdoors or in a damp location over the winter...the brakes like to corrode and that gives you that "locked up" symptom you are describing.  Try AGGRESSIVELY pushing your brake in and out several times...You can even spray penetrating oil around it.  Don't worry the actual brake is inside of the transmission.


Good Luck...Hope this helps...