Dead as dead gets

[4148beginner 0]

Hey everyone, apologies in advance, I am not anywhere near being a pro at working on things mechanical or electrical, but have run into an issue. 

 

I have a 414-8 (3114k804) that’s stored in the garage, but due to digging out a patio behind the garage, has had to live outside for the past few weeks. 
 

came out to mow and the mower is dead. Starter doesn’t turn, not even getting a click from the solenoid. 
 

battery is good and replaced the solenoid which shows power on the terminal with the battery connection. Other terminal shows no power when turning the key (not 100% sure if it’s supposed to) 

 

pulled apart the ignition and cleaned all the contacts. Did have a blown fuse, but replaced that and ran a new fusible link to the solenoid terminal…still dead dead. 

when I jump the starter directly from the battery it does turn.
 

not knowing much about these machines, I’ve done a bit of digging and seems like it could be a safety switch (previous owner must have bypassed the seat safety switch if there was one) or possibly the ignition. 

was curious on options from people who actually know what they’re doing on what their next step in the diagnostic process would be. 
 

Thank you!! 

[953 nut 60,348]

One of the most common causes of a “won’t start with the key” is the PTO not being OFF. You may have been mowing and stopped to move something out of the way, get back in the seat and it won’t start        The PTO switch is doing its job and preventing you from starting the engine with the PTO on.

Is your transmission in neutral?  Is your foot on the brake?  These are easy things to overlook.

Is your battery in good condition? A battery in marginal condition may start the engine the first time but not become recharged while using the tractor. Have the battery load tested at an auto parts store.

The 25 amp fuse passes power to the ignition switch, be sure the fuse and fuse holder are in good condition.

Your engine also has a low oil level switch that will prevent the solenoid from closing if the oil is low, check it.

Are your battery cables in good condition? Corrosion on the cable terminals can act as a huge resistor reducing the amount of voltage reaching the starter or solenoid to the point it will just click or do nothing at all. This is also true for the ground cable too. If you hold t5her key in START check for heat on all of the terminals, if there is heavy corrosion or a loose connection the one that is causing the problem will be hot due to the voltage drop.

The wiring information found in the attachment below should be helpful.