Toro 8-32 charging issue

[Leeroy]

Bought a Toro 8-32 to replace our 8-32. Owner stated it was overcharging and killed a new battery. I figured "no problem" as ours hasn't had a battery for years and easily starts with the pull cord. Trouble is the new one was never fitted with pull cord option.
Deck and mower were in great shape so I bought it even though the battery was flat dead 0V and I didn't hear it run or drive.
Charged battery, started easily, ran, shifted and mowed fine. Was not over charging, just barely keeping battery voltage. Thinking stator.
But wondering what the aftermarket switch could be for? It's wired into the harness. Would it be to isolate the charging system from the battery if it was overcharging ? The owner did not know and only owned it for a few months.
Wondering if someone decided it was easier to do that and keep the battery on a tender instead of buying parts?

 

[FergusonTO35]

The lightning bolt painted above it suggests that there was some kind of switch there from factory, maybe it has been replaced. Does it cut off power from the engine to the entire electrical system? Can you tell if the switch is parallel or in series?

As an aside, the first vehicle of any kind I ever drove was an ancient Toro riding mower with the old longhorn logo on the hood. I would love to see more pics of yours.

 

[el33t]

The lightning bolt painted above it suggests that there was some kind of switch there from factory, maybe it has been replaced.

No, the lightning bolt only means that it is an ignition switch. This switch below was added by someone.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks. Our Toro was only recoil start.