Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Starter problem, john deere 185, starter solenoid

Question
I have a john deere 185 hydro riding lawn mower.  When I turn the key over I can hear the start "clunk" not click like you hear with a near dead battery. If I do this several times the starter will engage and start the mower.  I replaced the battery, cleaned the battery cables and the starter wire connections, even tried whacking the starter! I bought the mower used last year the starter actually looks like its new.  Any help would be greatly appreciated Thank you

Answer
Mindy
Sound like the starter solenoid may be bad. When the key gets turned it activates a starter solenoid because of the big amp draw from the starter.If that is going bad it will not put enough power to start the starter. I would check that out.

Thanks