Ok we know the switch is working. Your problem is eith a broken wire or safety switch between the switch and solenoid. I would start by checking the seat switch, then the brake switch and finally the PTO switch.
Bet they are all bypassed, LOL. If they are, get them working again. Wire them up as a new mower would be.Ok we know the switch is working. Your problem is eith a broken wire or safety switch between the switch and solenoid. I would start by checking the seat switch, then the brake switch and finally the PTO switch.
I installed a new Battery, starter, Solenoid,(original equipment)
Would not hurt to learn the electrical systems on mowers. In this the engine is Briggs that most likely still using the dual circuit stator. And as the Cub Cadet design wiring it is impossible for the mower to drain when the ignition (assuming a good switch) is off; unless, something has been rewire or wired in. Leaving it in the run position will drain the battery all the way to flat.(zero charge) The only it can drain the battery other than leaving the ignition on is to have internal short in the ignition switch.I don't know how the battery charges on your mower, but on automotive alternators there are diodes in the circuit and if one goes bad it can drain a battery. Also cables can break or corrode internally and have high resistance. A new part can go bad, or have been one someone else had trouble with and returned. Unfortunately, I run into that all the time with parts bought online.
Actually I say to my customers new don't always means good. And just throwing parts at it can get expensive fast.Lots of new parts thrown at it. You will need to test all of them too. New doesn't mean new these days.