Difficult to start -- bad kill switch?

there is a ignition relay that goes bad. follow the ignition wire and you will find it.
good luck

Sounds like something is bound up or the safety kill switch is preventing you from starting it. These switches are under the riding seat. Find it and set it to try starting it again. Good luck

You didn't indicate what model number you have. You can download a manual here:http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/21205/CRAFTSMAN-Lawn,-Tractor-L0306104?brand_name_search=917272672+CRAFTSMAN if the 917272672 isn't the right model go to www.searspartsdirect.com and enter you model number. When the parts come up look over on right had side of page for button to select manual. To start, you must have foot on clutch, PTO disengaged. The seat switch doesn't come into play until the PTO is engaged. Check for voltage at the B terminal on the start switch to be sure fuse is good. From there check the S terminal when you turn key to start. From there it goes to the clutch/brake switch (when depressed) then to pto clutch then to solenoid. GOOD LUCK!

soliniod should have two small terminals one should get power when turn key to start position the other runs through ground curcuit which runs through break and pto switch most tractors wont start with out break switch working properly i would start with that first the i would go to pto switch. hope this helps

Could be, but test each item with your tester. Test key switch (12V in and 12 V out when turned to start., operator present switch 12V in 12V out (seat) Clutch switch, etc. till finally you test for 12V on the small terminal on the starter solonoid. Happy testing!

Check your seat, drive safety switches. Can you turn the engine with jumper cables attached to the starter? It won't start, but should turn over, one of your safety switches is not working.

there are several kill switchs one is at the deck lowering handle , others are on the gearshift , you probably burnt out the solinoid using the screwdriver its and easy replace? these are also bad on starters they burn up quick? if you go to searsparts.com type in your model # it will show you expolded veiw of the switchs with a test light and a little mech ability you can fix it ? hope this helps

Check for voltage at the solenoid when the key is in the start position.
The wire from the ignition should send 12 volts to the solenoid when the key is in the start position.

If it does not, you probably have a bad ignition switch.

(usually caused by water/corrosion)

Those safety switches you mention above is a good first place to look. Possibly the magnetic switch that makes connection with the battery and the starter needs replaced. When you jumped the starter to turn the motor over did you have the key turned to ignition? No spark can come from a low oil shutdown switch located somewhere on the lower part of the engine (either low oil or bad switch), if the key was on. The switch can be bypassed to test its condition. Keep us posted.

the battery probably got over charge & shorted the cells the tractor should charge the battery as it runs if it was equiped with electric start the battery charger more than likely over charged it killing the battery