Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): My riding lawn mower wont start, spark plug wires, craftsman lawn mower

Question
My Craftsman lawn mower won't start at times.  I can hear a whining noise and the starter struggles to turn engine and becomes hot to touch.  I have new battery, starter, and solenoid. Could this be caused by a short.  Also it I jump it off with another 12 volt battery, it will crank at these times.  This is a 16.6 HP, electric start, 42 inch cut, OVC model about 4 years old.  Model # 917.271632

Answer
Hi Stephen,

With all new components, the system should crank over fine.  I would first eliminate the possibility of a problem with the engine.  Things like advanced timing or something restricting the rotating of the internal engine parts.  Eliminate a timing issue by cranking with the spark plug wires disconnected to see if it cranks easier.  The only other things that I would check are:  Bad wiring connections.  The battery, starter or solenoid being faulty.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael