Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): old craftsmen riding mower wont start, sears and roebuck, switch problem

Question
i bought a old sears and roebuck riding mower that sat for two years orignal owner said burns a lot of oil but my problem is it wont startno noise or enything it has a good battery maby ineed to re-wire it its mod # is 502.259281

Answer
There may be a safety switch preventing the mower from starting.  Do you have a volt meter or 12 volt test light?

Start at the solenoid.  If the solenoid has one small wire on, then the small wire should have 12 v DC at the terminal when the key is in the start position.  If there is no voltage then the fuse may be blown, a safety switch problem, ignition switch bad or some bad wiring.

Let me know what you find.
Eric