Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wheel Horse not starting, toro wheel horse, neutral safety switch

Question
I have a 6 yr old Toro Wheel Horse Lawn Tractor, I've never had a problem with it starting until recently. Last week it started up as usual, ran for about 5 mins then died when I got off to pick up my dogs' ball before mowing over it. When I tried to re-start it nothing happened. Not even a clicking noise, just dead silence. I replaced the battery but it still won't start. Any ideas?

Answer
I suspect something has gone wrong with one of the safety switches.  The switches that affect the start circuit are the one on the clutch pedal, the one for the blades and, often, a neutral safety switch on the transmission.  To check, have someone sit on the tractor with it in Neutral, clutch pedal pressed and blades disengaged.  With a 12V test light, check for power at the small terminal on the starter solenoid (and the clip to ground) when the key is turned to the "start" position.  If the solenoid has two small terminals, connect the test light ends to each.  If you have no power, the problem is in the safety switch circuit (and perhaps the key switch, which is less common).  If you have power here, the problem is with the solenoid if you get no click at all.  Hope this helps.