Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding mower clicking and wont turn over, jumper cable, hp engine

Question
I have a Cub Cadet LT1045 with a Kohler Courage 20 hp engine.  When I tried to start it for the first time this year, all I get is a rapid clicking from the solenoid.  The mower is 4 years old and I haven't been able to get it serviced professionally.  Any ideas on what this might be?

Answer
Hello Larry:

Will the Engine Turn by Hand? Clean all the Battery Connections at the Battery, the Solenoid and the Starter. Make Sure the Battery is Fully Charged. If you Must Use a Jumper Battery, then Use Just a Battery. Do Not Use a Vehicle and Leave the Engine Running. Doing this will Damage the Mower Engines Stator (Charger) or Voltage Regulator (if the Engine Uses a Regulator). Once all the Connections are Clean and the Battery is Fully Charged and you Still have the Rapid Clicking Solenoid, then Use the Following Instruction File to Check the Starter and Solenoid. **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.** You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Engine Catalog you Wish to View. 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