Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electrical troubleshooting, snapper rider, lawn tractors

Question
I have a snapper rider, LT160H42CBV. Nothing happens when I turn the key to start....Dead. The battery is OK and I have tested the interlocks. I want to "hot wire" it to bypass the ignition switch. I do not know which wires to cut to accomplish the hotwire. Can you help? Or should I even attempt this on a mower?

Answer
Mike,

  No you should never bypass any Ignition system By doing so severe damage can result to the electrical components on your tractor.
Its more reasonable to assume that all it boils down to its a fuse.
If you can trace the wiring harness down from the key switch there should be a blade fuse or a glass type housed fuse check the fuse if its blown there is the source of the problem.
If it is not blown the source is a simple fix a new ignition switch  also examine the wiring harness from top to end for any visible signs of damage and or wear and repair as needed.
All Lawn tractors as Of Jan 1 1990 Have a fuse type Breaker for circuit Overloads to protect the key parts of your equipment from serious electircal Overloading this was implemented due to a surge from the engines to the battery thus causing the batteries to overload and in some cases to even explode.
Even if a component on the engine is dead it should still turn over as normal.
My Suspicions say its a fuse or dead Ignition switch