FOLLOW-UP ON SHORT

I didn't see the earlier posts - don't know if you are drawing any current (i.e. see sparks). Could be an open like I had. Check post to ground with DMM. Probably should be <10ohm.

While the chances are vanishingly small, there still exists a remote possibility of scattering sparks or the battery rupturing whenever you are working around batteries and starters!!

----

Now that we've got safety covered, if you have jumper cables I’d proceed this:

Disconnect the UNGROUNDED battery cable at both the battery and the starter switch. (Leave the GROUNDED cable attached to both the battery and the tractor frame.)

Have an assistant hold one end of the jumper cable firmly on the copper contact button on the starter. Now clamp the other end of the jumper cable to the battery post - expect a healthy spark when you make the connection! If the starter doesn’t spin the instant you make contact, disconnect the jumper at the battery.

Good luck!!

A few things to check:

1 - Are you CERTAIN your battery is good, and is fully charged? If not you're chasing your tail doing anything else trying to figure out the problem...

2 - When you replaced the battery cables did you thoroughly clean (ie. clean down to bare metal) the mating surfaces between the grounded cable terminal and the tractor frame, and between the ungrounded cable terminal and the starter switch post? Use emery cloth or a file and make these surfaces SHINE! Then thoroughly tighten all the connections. Also make sure both the battery posts and insides of the battery cable clamps are clean (shiney, bare metal), and the clamps tightened thoroughly.

3 - Could be you've got a worn out starter switch (it happens a lot). If the switch is mounted directly on the starter, remove the switch then use a jumper cable from the ungrounded battery post to the copper contact button on the starter (expect a large spark when you make contact!) If the starter now spins, replace the switch. But if you get a spark but no spin, or if you get no spark at all, you've got a jammed or worn out starter. Time for a visit to your local starter/alternator shop.