Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Scotts 2554 not turning, purple wire, would like your opinion

Question
Have a 7 year old Scotts 2554 with Kohler CV25S engine. Started after charging original battery this season. Ran it for about half hour. Half hour later I tried to start it again but all I got was a click each time I turn the key, engine would not turn. Replaced the battery but still won't turn, checked fuse and battery connections. After several tries and checking all connections it started. Had no problems for a few weeks then last week I mowed for about a couple hours and left it for couple of days same starting problem came back. JD dealership thinks its the solenoid, haven't replaced solenoid yet. Would like your opinion, any ideas?

Answer
Sounds like a solenoid to me also.

Do you have a test light. If so put the clamp on the neg battery cable.  Put the probe on the purple wire on the solenoid.  Turn the key. If the test light lights and the starter doesn't spin, you need a solenoid.  If the light doesn't flash you have a bad safety switch.  Trace the purple wire back through the system. Solenoid - brake switch - deck switch - ignition switch.  Where the power stops, your problem starts.

If you don't have a test light I just wasted 100 words.  If you have to guess, guess solenoid.