Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere srx95 wont turn over/start, john deere dealer, neutral safety switch

Question
Hello.  I own a john Deere srx95 riding mower that won't turn over/start.  I've owned it about 3 years (bought is used from a John Deere dealer).

About a year ago I noticed that the transmission lever was becoming quite finicky about being placed precisely in neutral (required a lot of jiggling of the handle to find neutral) before it would start. This condition got worse until sometimes it would take 2 or 3 minutes of handle jiggling before it would start. Now I can't seem to find neutral.  The battery is good and fully charged--but I can't find neutral, so it won't start.  Is there a way to bypass this switch (and the seat switch for that matter)for testing purposed?   I know you don't recommend this as a permanent
setup.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks....Mike

p.s. where would you recommend buying new front tires for this rider? Do they have to be OEM tires?

Answer
Hello Mike:

According to the Breakdown for this Mower, there is a Neutral Safety Switch and No Brake/Clutch Safety Switch. Some Model Mowers Use a Brake/Clutch Safety and Others Use the Neutral Safety Switch. Follow the Shifter Linkage and you can Locate the Neutral Safety Switch. From your Description it Sounds like the Safety Switch May have Come Loose or is Bad. The Shifter Linkage May Also be Worn and Simply Not Depressing the Plunger Enough the Activate the Switch. The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. **PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire white to White First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (SRX95) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John