My interpretation of your description is that you MAY have two different problems.
First, I'd check the battery. Depending on your comfort level of doing this, try jumping directly from the battery to the starter and noting the result. This may tell you if you're battery is good or weak.
You can also rob a known good battery from a vehicle, install it in your machine, and see what happens.
Simply jumping from a vehicle may not work with the possibly weak battery in the circuit. Remove from the existing battery first the (-) cable then the (+) cable then jump from a vehicle directly to your machine cables. Don't short the hot side to chassis.
If you prove your battery is good, then start thinking about a bad key switch. I suspect, based on your report of "hesitation and clicking" you'll find a weak battery.
Note the 'digital, computer' battery testing performed by some parts houses and big box stores isn't usually worth a flip.
Post back your results and ongoing experiences so we may all learn.