Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deer mower, switch jumper, jumper wire

Question
i found a stx38 john deer mower on the side of the road, it said free to good home so i picked it up, i don't know what year it is, it has a 13 horse power kohler engine on it, it ran today but since i don't have a battery i jumped it off with a battery charger, it cranked right up, my questions are, what voltage battery does it take and it wont go into drive nor reverse is this because i don't have a battery hooked up to it, i know this one has all kinds of safety precautions, i also want to know what year this is, the serial number is most if it helps any, thanks for your time

Answer
Hello Jack:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (STX38) and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If the Engine is Shutting Down when you Release the Clutch or Engage the Blades, then the Seat Safety Switch is Usually the Cause. Check the Seat Safety Switch. 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 Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged. The Battery is a Standard 12V DC Battery and Usually a 230 - 250 CCA Battery. I Suggest a Minimum of 225 CCA Battery for this Mower. If you Jump Start the Mower, Do So with JUST A BATTERY. Do Not have the Vehicle Running when you Jumper the Mower. When the Mower Starts, the Stator/Alternator/Regulator is Most Usually Fried from the Higher AMP (usually 68 Amps or Higher) Alternator on the Vehicle, Feeding Back on the Lower AMP (usually 10 Amps to 16 Amps) Mower Stator/Alternator/Regulator. Take your Serial Numbers and Contact your Local JD Dealer and they can Assist you with the DOM. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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