Jim, please post the model number and serial number of your mower. Also please post the engine model number and other numbers from the engine itself. Your problem might be caused by something in the tractor chassis wiring, or it could be specific to the engine you have. Without some identifying numbers, we can't check our sources for info on anything. Also, let's be perfectly clear on what you mean when you use the word "crank". Do you mean you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens? No noise, engine does not spin? Or do you mean the engine spins but it will not catch on and run by itself?

They put the smooth tires (and slick seat) on so that you don't overload the weak transmissions. :) What you need are tires with ag treads (bars arranged in a broken V shape, like you see on large agricultural tractors). They offer much better grip - they are not offered as standard because they can tear up a lawn if you're not careful with them; however, as you have found out, you can actually do more damage with the smooth turf tires when they are not up to the job conditions. If the ag tread tires (Carlisle makes 'em, do a web search) don't offer enough traction, put 5 gallons windshield washer fluid in each tire - that will give you an extra 70-80 lbs of weight right where you need it and actually lower your center of gravity (important on slopes). You can either put the fluid in by breaking one bead on your rim and pouring the fluid in, then resealing OR run it in through the valve stem (somebody posted on here not long ago about a method they use for going through the valve stem - involves using a garden pump sprayer inserted through the stem. I've done both of those mods to my Craftsman DYS4500 LT and have no traction problems on the slopes in my hilly yard - I'm just waiting for the tranny to give out now... :) :(

Several points, all of which are just one old guys opinion: 1. grass and gdj are right; the problem, if any, would be the transaxle and not horsepower. My 12-hp Deere STX (5-speed) will do what you need - I know because it does the job for me. 2. Slammer's rules aren't completely valid, although they are frequently dragged out and posted: Rule #1. If you determine that you need a 42" deck in order to mow between your trees and get through your back gate, slammer's rule would have you buy a 46" or 48" deck, which really wouldn't serve you for s___. Virtually every lawn tractor manufactured today has more than enough horsepower for your needs, so there's no reason to buy bigger just for the sake of bigger. Rule #2 states that "ergonomics are just as important as performance and capability." Say what? Would you actually want a machine that felt good to your butt, even though it was not capable of performing the job? Performance and capability, along with reliability are necessary; comfort is nice to have. Rule #3 makes some good points, but doesn't take into account that many of us have to compromise over the dollar amount. Sometimes slammer's rule no. 3 is used to justify spending more money. If you've got $1500 to spend, don't let somebody talk you in to going into debt for a $8,000 tractor. Instead, try to determine which $1500 machine will do the job for you. Failing to consider slammer's rules does not mean that you will be "stuck with a piece of junk," or even something that is "inadequate for the task at hand." Nor does it mean that you'll be shopping for a new tractor in a few months. There are some pretty good lawn tractors available for that amount, including units by John Deere and Husqvarna (which also makes Ariens and many Craftsman units.) NOTE: The fellow who claims to have written "slammer's rules" operates a commercial lawn care service. The equipment that he buys will see as much use in one month as a typical homeowner's machine gets in 5 years. His rules might very well apply to a commercial operation, but few (if any) commercial operators come to this forum for advice on buying equipment. As to your specific question about Deere vs Husqvarna. I own both brands. The under $2000 Deeres and similarly priced Husqvarnas are (in my opinion) very close in initial quality. Deere is well known for providing parts support for their equipment for years after a model has been discontinued. Husqvarna is the current owner of the company that has been known as Roper, American Yard Products, and Electrolux; they have been in business for many years, and seem to support their products pretty well, too. John Deere dealers usually sell the small lawn tractors for the same price as the box stores, as do Husqvarna dealers. I recommend buying from your local dealer, if you have one. Finally, I pull an AgriFab core aerator, weighted down with concrete blocks and 50 lbs of bagged fertilizer with my gear-drive John Deere and also with a Husqvarna that has a Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission. I'm a homeowner, so my total aerating time is about 3 hours a YEAR. Both of these machines are LAWN tractors, not GARDEN tractors; as such, they are primarily for mowing, but I do pull the aerator and, at times, a small garden cart. Whatever you buy, it is very important that you perform the maintenance recommended in your owner's manual, particularly cleaning/changing the air filter, changing oil & filter, greasing, removing clippings from the engine and transmission, and maintaining tire air pressure.

If you are saying that the engine won't physically turn over- so that the screen of the engine turns part of a turn and stops, then you likely have a compression release issue. This could be caused by a defective camshaft, loose rocker stud etc which there is lots of info on the forum to search for. So, if the engine cranks over well only with the spark plug out- that is the likely cause- provided that fuel hasn't bypassed the carb and hydraulically locked the engine. If there is a presents of fuel- know that an open spark can make a bad day worse and cause a fire. If in fact your engine does crank well and you don't have spark, disconnect the harness at the engine or the small wire at the coil to be sure. If still no spark, then you have a funky coil.