Tractor Repair: Riding Lawnmower wont crank, spark plug, crank

Question
I have a Craftsman with a 21.5OHV that has a 42" deck.  I just completely changed everything on the tractor.  Oil, spark plug, filters, gas, etc.  Whenever I tried starting it, it would crank extremely slow, then catch and start and everything would be fine.  But, each time I had to start it again after it had been sitting all week, I would go through the same thing all over again.  I even had to jump start it a couple of times with my car.  I eventually went out and bought a new battery.  Again, it cranked very very slowly and started.  The following week, it cranked even slower and then nothing.  I turn the key and nothing happens.  I checked the battery and its at 100%.  Even now when I turn the key, the lights don't even go on.  Did I blow a fuse somewhere?  I am completely baffled by this.  I have to move in 3 days and I can't get this thing to crank over and start.  HELP!!
Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

Answer
Subject: Riding Lawnmower won't crank

Question:
I have a Craftsman with a 21.5OHV that has a 42" deck.  I just completely changed everything on the tractor.  Oil, spark plug, filters, gas, etc.  Whenever I tried starting it, it would crank extremely slow, then catch and start and everything would be fine.  But, each time I had to start it again after it had been sitting all week, I would go through the same thing all over again.  I even had to jump start it a couple of times with my car.  I eventually went out and bought a new battery.  Again, it cranked very very slowly and started.  The following week, it cranked even slower and then nothing.  I turn the key and nothing happens.  I checked the battery and its at 100%.  Even now when I turn the key, the lights don't even go on.  Did I blow a fuse somewhere?  I am completely baffled by this.  I have to move in 3 days and I can't get this thing to crank over and start.  HELP!!

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

Hi
This sounds like a poor elec contact if the lights were dim then the fuse is ok.
It could be the starter motor its self these do get tired and worn out just like every thing else.
But I would be inclined to check all battery and wire contacts first dismantle one at a time and polish each surface battery contacts can have some Vaseline on them or some copper grease, to stop them corroding any signs of green fungus should be eliminated!!!
WD40 can be used on all elec joints etc but even then they must be clean>
If all this fails strip the starter the brushes in side may need replacing or cleaning.
Depending on age of machine.
Martin