First thought was the battery but it checks fine... when the key is turn you can here some good action but nothing engaging the motor which is a 18.5 hp Briggs and Stratton Family: YBSXS5012VP serial 274826.. I called around to some independent repair people and the first guy I spoke to after describing this and listening to it try to start over the phone thinks it's the starter. I would like to avoid having a big local repair place pick it up in fear of getting reamed. We had a local guy but he got a real job. I know this is probably not much to go on, but any thoughts ?
You problem sounds to me like not enough amps getting to the starter. Possible causes are battery, solinoid,switch, loose wires and finally the starter or starter gear.
