I only get a click when I turn the ignition key
 

I have a 129 hydrostatic Cub Cadet. It was my dad's. I used it last summer with no issues. Now when I turn the ignition key, all it does is click. I have been able to start it with a "start" option on the battery charger a few times. I got a new battery and now it won't even start with the charger. The ignition and solenoid were changed last spring before I got it. Could the ignition be bad again? Thanks for your help.:bash2:

Have you check your Battery Cables to see, if they are, (A) Clean, (B) Polished, and (C) Tight on both ends of the cables...???

Also check polarity

Thanks, I will check both. I had not changed the battery since last spring and it was working fine. It just started doing it this spring. I'll look at the cables. The terminals are making a good connection. Thanks for the ideas. I'll let you know what I find.

Welcome to OCC! Good luck with your cub.

Take a Hammer and gently tap on the sides of the starter and try to start it if it starts or does more than what it was doing its is your starter brushes sticking either rebuild starter or get a new one.

:Welcome2:

I wouldn't do that to mine. That's a good way to crack old brittle magnets. If you believe your starter is stuck on a dead spot or is frozen in place, just turn it over by hand a few times to get some internal movement.

With a solenoid click, I'd run down the routine leads first. Grounds, battery condition, bypass the IGN switch, etc.

I have a 149 I picked up last fall that does the exact same thing. I can jump the solenoid with a piece of metal and it will start fine. Just doesn't work when switching the key to the start position, only get a click there which I assume is from the solenoid. Interested in what you find since I haven't had a chance to troubleshoot mine.

Sounds like your key switch bullockcm. I've bought around 6 garden tractors of various makes, and every last one of them needed a new IGN switch.

I am not familier with garden tractor electrical systems so you may well be right but it would seem to me the IGN switch is fine in my case since when I turn the switch to the start position I can hear the solenoid click, it just doesn't appear to be powering the starter/generator at that point.

My guess was a faulty or improperly wired solenoid. I should add that the wiring is butchered pretty badly on the thing. I actually think someone had a pile of rough/misc. cub parts that they bolted together and I was dumb enough to buy it... On the other hand maybe the seemingly good running 12HP engine, 50" deck, and wheel weights are worth what I paid. If nothing else it will be something to learn on and nobody ever said education was free :bash:

Could you elaborate on why you think my IGN switch is at fault?

I shouldn't be allowed onto the interwebs after a certain time. If your solenoid is clearly clicking, then check the following:

Clean battery terminals

Direct jump the s/g

Check the wiring from the solenoid forward

The ignition and solenoid was changed last year and it worked fine until this spring. I took the starter generator off and took it to have it checked. They rebuilt it and I'll let you guys know how it goes.

I had that problem on a LT1045 this spring. It was the terminals on the solenoid, the tractor had been left uncovered over the winter and they had rusted. Removed, cleaned up, re-assembled, and good to go. This might be your problem if you don't get power to the starter.

On that 129.,, IH tractors a of all kinds are notorious for having corroded ground cables at BOTH ends. Clean them and/or replace those Ground cables!!! The frame ends are always neglected!!! Check that ground strap to the engine block also.