Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy bilt lawn tractor will not start, troy bilt lawn tractor, elderly neighbors

Question
This is my elderly neighbors tractor.  It is a 2004 troybilt bronco. Model 13AJ609G766.  Last fall it would not crank,she had the battery replaced and it worked fine for about 4-5 starts. This spring it also will not crank. I charged the battery and it started fine for several times that day. 1 week later and again it required charging to start.  Should I just replace the battery.  How do I check to see if its charging?  I can't find an alternator.  The only thing I can find is a 12 volt 100 amp solenoid. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Bill

Answer
Hello Bill, to check your battery, get yourself a multi purpose meter. Take you negative and postive leads; put your negative on the smaller post and the postive on the somewhat larger post. Red is positive and black is negative. And see what kind of reading you get.If the reading is 1.250 (minimum) 1.280 (maximum) the battery is in good condition. The main purpose of the battery is to supply current for the ignition system and the starter motor until the vehicle is running.