Grasshopper 718 Briggs 18HP suddenly stopped running

[Grasshopper718]

Hopefully this is an easy fix! I was coming to the end of a row on a Grasshopper 718 with a Briggs 18hp, when it suddenly stopped running. I've checked the seat switch and it checks out with my VOM. When i tried to restart it, it turns over very hard almost like a dead battery. I've tested the battery and it reads about 9.6Volts(LOW). I've put a booster charger on it and it still turns over hard (barely one revolution), like something is binding. I pulled the plugs out and it turns over, but still harder than i think it should. Can a generator go bad that fast and is that a possibility. Or any other ideas.
Thanks....

[Restrorob]

If you read the third thread down from the top and post your engine numbers you may get a better response.

[one-jene]

A couple of things to check are the battery connections and the fuses. I have seen corrosion on the main and start fuses that gave low voltage and the starter would not turn over the engine.