Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower will not start, amp meter, test light

Question
Paul,
The mower has a B&S 19hp engine. Yesterday I started cutting the lawn, the mower ran about 10 minutes. I turned it off and went back to use it 30 minutes later and it wouldn't start. All it did was click. I cleaned the battery terminals and had the same results. So the next step was to have the old battery checked. I was told the battery was bad, so I purchased a new one. No change, it just clicked. The key switch has 4 positions on it, stop, lights, run and start. The click is only when I turn the key to the first position, lights and the amp meter goes to the negative side. Any suggestions on the next step?

Answer
Sounds like a bad sfety switch.  Do you have a test light if so follow the trigger wire from the solenoid back until you find voltage.  Where the voltage stops the trouble is found.  If you don't have a test light, or, know how to use one all you can do is guess.  Start with the break switch then the solenoid.