Need to dragging out the volt meter. You need the voltages at the starter when this is happening.
I know it sound crazy but the starter could be failing when heated. I only seen this once and it was last year on a JD Z830A. The engine started fine when cold but after mowing a while I carry it back to the shop as everything seem fine. W-ell went to move- out my way 30 minutes later and I had a no crank condition. All the voltages were present so installed a new starter and no more problems. As I said it the first it has happen in 14+ yrs but apparently it can happen.
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