My MTD riding mower (an older model) does not make any attempt to start the engine when I turn the key on the ignition. (no sound, no turning over of the engine, nothing). It is similar to what happens if the blades are down. (But they arent). When I attempted to start the engine at the beginning of the season, I had this problem. I pushed it into my garage and, for some reason, it started working. Worked fine for three weeks, then I hit a clump of dirt, which killed the engine. When I tried to restart it, the problem had returned. I again pushed it into the garage, but it is not 'miraculously' working this time. I know the battery and starter are good. What else could it be?

I think you have a holy garage, charge admission. I also think one of your three safety switches is shorting out. There is one under the seat, one for clutch/brake and one for the blade engagement. Check all three for continuity and replace, don't bypass, the faulty one. Write back if you need/want more details.

I have had the same problem with my 18hp Huskee riding mower. It's an old one and I am having problems trying to get parts for it. I have come to find out that the ignition switch wasn't making good ground contact with the metal frame of the tractor where you mount it at. That fine threaded thin nut that tightens the ignition switch had come loose and the switch was not grounded. I tightened it up and it started right up. Since then, it has came loose again, and when I tried to tighten it up, I noticed that the fine threads on the switch itself were stripped. Now I can't tighten it up and will have to purchase a new switch if I can find one. I remember replacing that switch once before ( a long time ago), but I cannot remember what for. I purchased it from a parts dealer near where I live, but they gave me the wrong one, but it worked. The problem is that the lights stay on all the time while the mower is running. Whereas the one that came with the tractor had another stage to it, where you could turn the lights on by turning the key back one notch. The one they gave me shuts off the engine when I turn it back one notch. All they said was that the part # in my owner's manual was outdated, but this one replaces it. I am still looking for a switch for it, but don't know where to find one. Hope this somewhat helps you.