Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 12 hp briggs wont turn over, hp briggs, negative cable

Question
Thanks michael, im sorry but when i wrote that i bought a new mower, i meant that i had just got it, it is a few years old though. My dad swears its the solenoid though, i did find out that the starter is getting power to it, but i dont know the problem, so does since my mower isnt new, does this change your original answer? P.s i dont know much about mowers, Thanks for your help
Followup To
Question -
Hey man, i just bought me a new mower, mtd 12 hp briggs, well i cut grass all day and it worked great, i go to take a break and when i come back to crank it, nothing! It wont turn over? battery is good, all i hear is a click sound on the solenoid, i dont think im getting any power to the starter though,and when i tried to jump it over by toughing the two screws on the solenoid i got nothing, any ideas? do i need a new solenoid or could it be the starter? thanks dave
Answer -
Hi Dave,

Since it is new I would suspect that you left the blade drive on when shutting the key off.  Of so, you might have any easy fix by just switching off the engagement switch and cranking it.  If not then the keyswitch or a safety switch may be bad.  Test the starter by jumping the positive battery terminal to the starter terminal.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

Answer
Hi Dave,

If the starter receives power when the key switch is turned, then the solenoid is good.
If you are getting power to the starter when you turn the key but it still won't turn the engine over, then the starter is bad.  The battery must be good though.  If it is weak you may get a clicking sound but not enough power to crank the engine.  You can confirm all this by jumping the starter directly from a known, good, car battery.  While still in the car, connect the negative cable from the car negative battery post to the tractor negative.  Then the cars positive post and touch the positive cable to the starter terminal.  If it still doesn't turn the engine over, replace the starter.  You may be able to have it rebuilt at a local starter repair shop.  

Keep me posted,
Michael