Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): will not turn over, pinion gears, battery terminals

Question
QUESTION: Snapper model 280777  type 0672 A1  code 96021S4A

Started mower this morning, fine....I get back on mower, press left foot pedal, turn switch, I hear it click, continue to start position, nothing...I thin it is a safety switch of some sort.  I straight wired the 2 under the seat.  Did this before and all i did was press and depress left foot pedal a few times.  Is there a safety switch on pedal too.  What do you think is wrong?

ANSWER: If your mower is a rear engine mower, there is a safety switch on the gear shift lever.  Try moving the lever while performing all the other starting procedures, i.e., pushing in the clutch and making sure the blade(s) is off.

Are your battery terminals clean?  Did you dis-connect the battery terminals and clean the cable ends and battery terminals with a wirebrush?  Have you checked the battery charge?

Let me know.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: New battery, new solenoid,  snapper tractor model so engine is on the front.  When i turn key to on i hear click at engine and click underneath seat.

Answer
Can you rotate the engine by hand?  Sometimes wore starter pinion gears can bind on the flywheel ring gear causing the starter not to turn.

Use a voltmeter to check for 12 volts DC on the starter post when you try to start the engine.
Let me know what you find.
Eric