Oh and just for future reference. In this case we established that by turning the key, there was a click by the solenoid but no cranking. The test i got you to do should be done with key off to remove the chance of starting, blades disengaged and in neutral as norm said. We simply tested that the battery is good, as is the starter motor and that the solenoid is the problem.
Not that i have a problem with mower shops, (i worked at one for 6 years) and i always support local where i can, but this is now like a $20 repair instead of a $100+ repair depending on the shop.
