Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): My Pony, acre of land, compression release

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i have a 2005 troy built pony it is the shift on the go one.it's 17.5 horse power industrial & comercial.The model # 13an779g766183630. The problem i am having is it started to act like the batery was dead so i jumped it off with my truck and it started fine, so i went and bought a new battery and apparently that was not the problem so what i need to know is what else do i check that could cause it to act like the battery is dead. Thank you for your time. Chantele

ANSWER: Does the engine act like it wants to turn over but just won't quite make it?  And then every once in awhile it'll catch and spin just fine?  ABout how many hours do you think it has on it and what service has been done?  Thanks, PK.

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QUESTION: well it has about 150 hours as far as the engine we have changed the spark plug and the air filter. and then every summer we put new blades and keep up with the belts i have an acre of land so i have to keep up with it.

ANSWER: What about the engine turning over?  Does it act like it wants to turn over but just can't seem to but sometimes it will seem to catch and spin normally?

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QUESTION: yes that is what it does

Answer
Your valves need adjusting.  The compression release is controlled by the valve lash.  Over time with wear and such, the valves get a little out of adjustment and have to be reset.  My shop recommends this be done every hundred hours so you're a little past due.  I think if you get this done your engine will start normally again.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.