Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro Riding Lawn Mower, selinoid, power path

Question
I have a toro single engine lawn mower which worked fine last year.  This year when I put battery in, it wont start and makes a clicking noise when I try to start it.  It sounds like a selinoid does on a car.  Is there one on a lawn mower?  What things can I check or do to find out before I am forced to take it in for repair.  I was just laid off and cannot afford to have a shop do repairs until I get back to work.  Help please. The battery is fully charged.  The terminals are clean. There is gas, oil etc. The belts are in tact and I can find no broken wires.  The fuses also are good.

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

The solenoid may be bad or the problem may be the starter.  Since you have power to the solenoid, start there and work towards the starter.  

Proceedure: (Which you may skip some of.)
You will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.  The solenoid switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid.   To test it, first make sure that you have power at the large terminal that comes from the battery.  Then jump power from that terminal or the battery, to the small terminal.  You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized.   If not, then the solenoid is bad.  If good then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.  Most equipment has safety switches in the seat and on the blade engagement lever.  Check them by temporarily bypassing.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael