Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding Mower wont crank, arinet, word post

Question
My Poulan riding mower won't crank.  I last used my mower 2 weeks ago after having charged my relatively new batter that appeared to be dead.  Now I can't get it to crank at all.  I had disconnected the  battery after the last use (just in case there was something sucking it dry in the mower).  I've taken the charger and connected it to the pole on the stator (I think it is at least, I'm not totally familiar w/ the parts), and the other lead to the block and I can hear something whirring/winding in the engine, but it won't crank.  And yes, I do have the engine in "choke" and the blade disengaged.  I had to replace the battery a couple months ago when I got the mower from a relative because it would not maintain a charge (that's why he, now I, have a charger).  Is the stator/alternator bad?  Is it a wiring problem?  Should I try jumping it w/ my car (I don't want to blow it up)?  Any tips, advice, or other tests I need to perform to diagnose the problem?

Answer
Hello Craig:

OK. You are Talking About the Starter. The Stator is Located Under the Flywheel and is the Engines Charging Coil. The Word "Post" Tells me that you Did the Starter Jump Correctly, you Just have the Part Name Wrong. There May be a Bad Connection in the Safety System, A Bad Relay, ect. This will Help. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog Poulan/Weed Eater. You Need to Do Some Checks. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. We can Use the Breakdown at the Site Addy I Provided so you and I can Reference our Questions and Answers to the Breakdowns and there will be No Misunderstanding Each Other. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John