What does "will not start" mean?

[Ray Pooley]

Sounds like a silly question but hang on a mo.

This is an extract from Hayter 13/30 Tractor ride on lawn mower

Page 16

NOTE: The engine will not start unless you
depress the clutch/brake pedal or engage
the parking brake and move the blade rotation
control to the DISENGAGE position.

What does "will not start" mean?

Does it mean it will crank (ie: starter motor has power) but not start or does it mean it won't crank (ie: starter motor does not have power).

I have the latter problem.

Cranked and started a week ago. Just had other problems.
Came out today and dead as a door nail.
No crank.
Fully charged battery 12.8V

[Mick]

That's a good question, and now you asked it I don't remember.  But here's what I think.

The engine if one of those switches hasn't been set should result in it not cranking, otherwise you could stand with your feet under the deck and blades engaged and turn the key, that would be enough to cause serious injury.  So I'd say it won't crank let alone start.

I would check to see if you have power down to the starter solenoid on the small wire which activates it. if yes then the solenoid has possibly died.  Does the solenoid click when you try to start it?