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I have a Simplicity 7117 hydrostatic garden tractor that I am having trouble starting. When I go to start it and turn the key nothing happens. I can then jump start it and it starts just fine. I then mow my yard and put it back in the garage and turn it off, I try to re-start it right away and nothing happens. I have replaced the battery and it does not help.

Lawn Tractor Manuals | Riding Mower Manual | Simplicity Mowers page 25 troubleshooting section

mechanic mark said:

Lawn Tractor Manuals | Riding Mower Manual | Simplicity Mowers page 25 troubleshooting section

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I believe your alternator located under flywheel needs to be replaced, I would test first.https://www.google.com/webhp?source...-8#q=how to test alternator on garden tractor Battery is for cranking purposes only, alternator keeps battery charged.
Please let us know how it goes.

Your Simplicity model number is 1691717 when ordering parts.

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2043_a.pdf your engine model number should be KT17

Seeing you replaced the battery and I take it that its a fully charged battery, but it only starts OK with jumper cables. The only thing it can be is a bad connection between the battery cables and the battery. I just don't see what else it could be. Unless the new battery is junk.

I have seen this type of job come into my shop. Someone will buy a new battery and not clean the dirty positive battery cable end. Now they wonder why the mower wouldn't start. Just a little sand paper works wonders.

Last year I put a new battery in it and it started every week I wanted to mow, until it got dry out and did not mow for about 3 weeks, then I was right back to having to jump it to start it and it was dead again after I put it back in my garage. Any more ideas would be great, and thanks for the replies I have gotten so far!!

Hook a trickle charger to the battery when not using.