Chris, I used to be a Troybuilt mechanic. You can still jump it. Try to have someone help you and one be by the front of the mower and be quick about everything. I know it's not the safest way to do things but if you need it ASAP we used to do it all the time. it's up to you though. Nelson, mowers don't have an alternator per say. they do have a charging system. It's more of a system that is under the flywheel that takes current from a magnet on the flywheel and puts it back to the battery. Chris, since it's a 12 volt system, just hook the jumpers up with out the vehicle running, let them sit awhile and then start it. Find a meter and check the charging system by putting the leads on the Battery and see if it's over 12 volts. If it is it's charging and the Battery is bad.