Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn chief riding mower, cubic inch displacement, engine model type

Question
i got a lawn chief with a briggs and stratton 8hp motor at a garage sale it runs great but i have to put a jump box on the battery then i have to use a screwdriver on the solenoid to get it to crank over i was told it was the solenoid and so i replaced it now it won't even crank over where do i start please help

Answer
Use a 12 volt DC meter or a 12 volt test light to check the solenoid excitation post...usually the little wire connected to the solenoid.  If there is no voltage when you turn the key to the start position, then you have a problem.  Blow fuse, defective key switch or more than likely a bad/defective safety switch.

Do you have a Multi-meter?  Is the tractor a rear engine machine?  What is the engine model, type and code number? The engine model number will start with 19 indicating the cubic inch displacement.

Let me know about the questions so I provide a more specific solution.
Eric