Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower wont start, cart style, charging system

Question
my father has a 3 year old craftsman go-cart style riding mower.
everytime he tries to use it, it wont start. He is going to replace
the battery, but feels that maybe the charging system is faulty.
He has had a hard time starting it since day one.  The store
actually replaced the battery the first year. He would like to
know if their is something he should be checking, solenoid,
alternator, etc. Thank you for your time Gary

Answer
To properly check the alternator you need a DC shunt tool or a meter capable of handling some large DC amprees; shunt tools can be expensive.  I have one but seldom use it.

Most of the time you can check the alternator with just a DC volt meter.  Measure the battery voltage with the mower off first, start the mower then re-measure the voltage.  The voltage should increase with the engine running.

As for hard starting, does the starter not turn the engine over or does it take a lot of starter cranking to get the engine to fire?

Let me know.
Eric