2018 Cub Cadet RZT 46 won't start

[circad200]

My mower developed a problem where the engine would die 5-6 times until it was warmed up (I guess). Given that it's mowing season, I was going to wait a bit to deal with that problem. So, I let the mower warm up for a few minutes before beginning to mow. I got on, mowed for about one beer's worth, then returned to the garage for the second beer. Just as I was about to stop, it died. Now, it won't start, nothing happens, even the headlight doesn't come on, so I don't know if it's related to the first issue but I don't like coincidences.

In case it's helpful, it has never died while the mower blade itself is running but that might just be the luck of the draw.

The last time I had this into the shop, it took three months to get it back. Hoping to avoid that this time. Thanks in advance.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Start by checking the battery voltage > 12.5 = good
If less then pop it on the charger while you have a couple of beers.
While it is charging follow the battery cables to where they connect to the mower, remov e that connection , clean te contact area and bolt / nut head then retighten
Painting over with liquid electrical tape when finished is even better

If you have 12.5 V or better at the battery check voltage at starter solenoid to frame then repeat with the key in the start position.
If it does not start try replacing the fuse .
If still no joy proceedures become engine specific so you need to post engine details

 

[circad200]

Thanks bertsmobile! You led me to the answer, although I'm not sure it will stay fixed.

The battery checked out (I should have posted that in my question), and I performed the steps you suggested. The fuse was fine. Shorting the solenoid turned the engine, and since that has been replaced I suspected something coming from the key side of things. I took that side apart hoping to find some kind of mechanical failure, found none, realized I didn't know all of the wires were for (tried jumping a few poking around), put it back together and BOOM!, starts right up.

So I'm assuming something was loose, and will probably work its way loose again, but I got about a six pack of mowing to do so I'll worry about that later!

Thanks again!