Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mtd riding lawn tractor solenoid switch?, battery load tester, solenoid switch

Question
Eric, I have a 10 yr old mtd model 675 /14.5 hp 42" cut.I bought the unit back in 10-6-98 and has run good since the past summer of 2008. The problem is the starter won't always turn the engine over intil several tries. I have read a few of your responses in the archives and they seem to pertain to my situation but I wanted to tell you my problem.I've cleaned all the battery con. including the ones to the solenoid.I've come to the conclusion that it is either the solenoid or the starter.Today I hooked up the jumper cables from my car to the tractor and got the usual clicking sound from the solenoid except it started much to my satisfaction.I LET THE MOWER RUN FOR A GOOD 10 MINS. ,TURNED IT OFF THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY AND THEN NOTHING EXCEPT CLICKING AGAIN FROM SOLENOID.Boiled down I believe it's either the solenoid or the starter leaning towards the solenoid since its been starting all summer with the same procedure.What do you think?
               Thanks Eric,  Bob.  

Answer
Is the battery good?  Have you had the battery load tester at you local auto parts store?  Did you clean the battery terminal ends and cable ends with a wirebrush?  You will need to dis-connect the terminals to clean.

Have you traced each wire by hand to each safety switch and dis-connected and then re-conenct each connection to make sure the contact is clean?

Locate the mower model nubmer located on a sticker under the seat or rear fender.  The number will be xxx.xxxxx or xxx-xxx-xxxx.

You can look up the parts on MTD's website.

Let me know the model number and I can look up parts for you.
Eric