TO-35 solenoid grounding

Greetings all!

I'm new to the tractor ownership world, and am the proud new owner of a 1955 TO-35, S/N 144425, converted to 12-volt with an alternator.

I'm not at all mechanically inclined, so I knew going into this venture that I would have a steep learning curve.

I'm hoping someone can help me with what I'm sure is (for most) a simple challenge/question. I am replacing the soleniod

The unit coming off is a four-post one using a wire to ground it. I looked for a similar unit, but had trouble finding one for the TO-35 that wasn't three-post. I have a wiring diagram that shows the three-post as the original configuration, so I bought one (from this site, in fact.)

However, I'm hesitant to hook it up and try it out before getting guidance from folks much smarter than me. Is there any reason the three-post configuration won't work on my tractor?

Thanks in advance for any guidance--I'm sure this is just the firs of many questions.

--Sean in Va.

Here is a shot of the old solenoid (w/ wire to starter disconnected).

The three post configuration is what would be considered the original setup, and should be all you need. The 4 post that is on there is likely from an automotive application: That 4th post takes the 12v+ from the large battery cable and sends it to your ignition coil, to alleviate the problem of low voltage through the ignition switch while hitting the starter. On the 35"s it isn"t really an issue- especially with 12V, since they crank over so easily (therefore not dropping the voltage enough to affect the ign. coil), so the 3 post solenoid you purchased will work like new for you. All you need to do is determine which wire comes from your starter button, and put that wire on the little post of your solenoid. The wire that was originally on that 4th post will not be needed anymore- you can just tape it off or remove it- it should lead to the + side of your ignition coil. One of the two big posts goes directly to the starter, the other directly to the + battery side.

Best of luck and congrats on your "new" Fergie
-Richard

P.S. If you ever decide to paint this tractor, the original colors should have been dark green on the cast iron, and light gray sheet metal I believe, if you like keeping stuff original.

Richard--

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation. I appreciate it.

I also know this guy has been re-worked to what appears to be a slightly newer (late 1950s?) color scheme. I haven't found much of the original paint, but then again, I haven't tinkered that much.

Looking forward to plenty more learning--

Cheers,

Sean

Where the solenoid mounts should be free of paint for good grounding along with the starter mount and the battery grd. cable.