Help with Toro zeroturn

[Gomer pyle]

I have a '16 Toro Z-Master 2000 with a 23hp Kawasaki and 98 hours. Went to start it last weekend to start servicing it and the battery went bad mid crank(bad cell). I replaced the battery and was able to do everything accept hydro filters(had the wrong filters, thankfully I looked before unscrewing). I tried to start it Friday afternoon to do hydros and all it would do was click. I have checked everything I can think of.
I temporarily bypassed the seat switch, and checked the brake and control levers(I hear a clicking noise when they engage the button). While checking the key switch, I accidently crossed two spades and it started. I assumed bad key switch. I picked up a new one yesterday and the same thing. Nothing with the key but starts if I cross it out. I did try to cross the solenoid and got nothing.
Any ideas? I'm pulling my hair out.

 

[Wasmeneh]

There is probably a starter relay that you may need to check also. Had one go bad on MY BOBCAT zero turn with Kawaski same symptoms.

 

[neetan]

Check the ground, and the seat switch. Spent many an hour wasting my time and now I check these first. Good luck