Craftsman 24 hp 42 mower turn key will not start no power check the fuse good battery 14 volts also turn light switch on no lights ? thanks

It sounds like either the battery has failed and no longer has enough power in it or else the battery ground wire, or power wire have become disconnected, the easiest way totest the battery is to run jumpers from the battery posts to the headlights (it does not matter which wire connects where as long as all other wires are removed from the lights)and see if the light, light up and if so how bright, if it does not the battery is not holding a charge and will have to be tested to find out if it is bad or the charging system on the tractor is bad, If they light then the next thing is to connect jumper cables from the battery to the starter solonoid and ground, following color code (positive to positive, negative to negative)and then try to start it, if it does there is a break or something is disconnected between the battery and the starter solonoid. If it does not start then most likely the starter is in need of replacement. Hope This Helps Don