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when I first press the starter button, I get nothing for several seconds (at least 5 or more) then it starts to crank very slowly, gradually picking up speed until it fires. Do I just need new batteries or could the problem be the starter? Thanks.

Sounds like the starter is drawing too much current. Might be a good time to clean the commutator and install new brushes.

good idea, I'll check that out. Thanks!

this does sound like a dragging starter. Also check battery cables for looseness.

will do, thanks!

I'd free, clean then tighten each connection in the battery to starter path while you're there.

Also, consider putting a voltmeter on the batteries while cranking - see the manual for what is normal (I don't recall exactly, but something like a 1.5 V drop per battery while starting is normal - 3V total for two in a 24V system).

I'm somewhat suspicious of the batteries or the battery cable connections myself.

Methinks powool is on the right track with the voltage drop test. Assuming you have batteries that are at top voltage value before you crank, then when your stater contacts touch, your batteries voltage should n NOT drop dramatically, as powool stated. If the volts do drop, you got bad battteries brother !