Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Sabre 17.5, soleniod, aggrivating

Question
My John Deere riding mower Sabre 17.5 Kohler equipped single cylinder stopped running. A little research lead me to the problem which was a fuel shutoff solenoid located on the fuel bowl of the carburetor. The solenoid had internally shorted and burnt up. This appears to be a very unsafe design since fuel began to leak and run out over the solenoid which at this point was a glow plug waiting to ignite. There was no fuse blown that would have protected the circuit. My question is do I need the $75 solenoid  for proper operation of the mower?
Thanks Jimmy  

Answer
 Hello Jimmy:

 I have Removed this from All my Mowers. I Cant Suggest you do the Same. However, I Installed a Shutoff Valve in the Gas Line to the Carburator and Turn it Off Whenever I Turn the Engine Off. Its Aggrivating to Some of the Employees, but to me it's Safer than the Way it was. My Problem was Like yours, Only I Lost a Mower to Fire from that Soleniod. I have Spoken to the Manufacturer and This isnt a Common Problem; so they say. I Really Dont know but, Ive had My Share of Problems with it. I was Instructed to Install a Fuse in the Line to Prevent the Problem from Reoccuring. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John