Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine wont crack, battery connection, test light

Question
I have a 1999 MTD riding lawn mower.  It ran last year but this year it won't crank.  I bought I new battery and it still won't crank.  I have check all the wires, oil, spark plugs, etc, etc.  Could the solenoid be bad?  I have been told I need to disconnect the battery each season and will do this from here on out, but what can I do to get is running now.  Any suggestion would be helpful.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Barbara
#1- does it make any sounds when you try to crank it?  If it does, solenoid may be bad, starter may need work, battery connection may be poor (the battery wires sometimes corrode inside the connectors that are crimped on)  If it dosen't make any noise read on-
OK- new battery, first double check the hook up, red to positive, black to negative (sounds silly I know- but I've made worse mistakes)
Then look at the safety switches.  One under the seat, one attached to the clutch/brake pedal, one attached to the "engage mower" lever.  Any of these will prevent it from cranking.  They can be checked by popping the plug loose on the switch being tested(theres a small clip on the side of the electrical connector, lift it with a small screwdriver and pull on the plug), and inserting a large paperclip bent to jump one terminal in the plug to the other.  Jump these out one at a time, see if it cranks.  If safety switches are ok- you'll need a tester to see if you're getting 12v to the solenoid (a 12v test light cna be found at wallyworld really cheap!).  If 12v gets to the small + terminal, check the small - terminal, if 12v is there as well, you have a bad connection from the solenoid to ground.
Make these checks and lemme know what you find!