I recently bought a new battery for my Sears GT 5000 riding mower. It was a Walmart type. It has 350 CCA ( which is what I need) but it went down and would not start. I was dragging real bad. I bought a new starter & silenoid. Same problem !
Help I hate to go pay the high bill of the repair shop but it seems that might be where I am heading if can't get any help.

Please respond
Thanks B

Is the engine seeming to turn a little, pause, then turn more? Or do you mean the starter is making a dragging sound?
If the first, could be the valves out of adjustment.
If the second , could be the starter is worn badly.