It is possible that the float needle is leaking a little letting the carb flood when shutting off. After a few minutes, the gas may be evaporating to where it will start OR removing the air cleaner gives enough air to over come the slight flooding. You can pinch the fuel line closed if it does not have a fuel line shut off although a shut off is always good insurance unless the fuel tank is below the carb inlet. Walt Conner

It is possible that you have 2 different issues. It is hard to tell from your description if you are saying that the wind down noise is the noise of the starter running and if it is, is it running w/o the key switch activated. Solenoids are the most likely cause for allowing the starter to run on- but not the only one. They are not typically a fuse blower- but could be. On a 4 post solenoid one of the 2 small wires supplies a ground and the other 12 volts when the key switch is activated. If I am assuming something I shouldn't, please elaborate on what you believe the noise is.

Rest in peace, Sally Ride - I remember your journey well. FWIW, my husband lived 3 months and 2 weeks after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer - a horrible and painful death.

IMHO, if you want a rider, buy a rider "older Minneapolis mower" isn't a good thing unless you're mechanically inclined and willing to do your own repairs. Also, do you have a truck or trailer to haul to a shop if you aren't? Older equates to more breakdowns and repairs irregardless of the brand. Are parts available for it? Assuming it has a common engine like a Briggs, etc. parts are available, but the other "odds and ends" could be a problem. With that size lot, you'll spend a lot of time turning and backing and will probably keep your walk behind for trimming after you see what a PITA the rider is to maneuver. Also, with a blower, you'll need chains and weights are those included? Put another way, a new LT and blower, chains, weights, etc. would probably be $4,000+ and you're getting a deal for $500. Can you borrow a rider from a neighbor to find out how much faster it would be? Good luck,