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.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

I know this is a old thread but if you could find a electrical layout of the machine and show where the switch is wired in I could likely tell what's going on. But hopefully you got it fixed already.

 

[Leeroy]

I know this is a old thread but if you could find a electrical layout of the machine and show where the switch is wired in I could likely tell what's going on. But hopefully you got it fixed already.

Thanks @SawAddictedFarmer ! I never did look into much, mostly due to being given a couple of free Cub Cadets. Home Depot types so nothing special, but 42" and 46" decks as well as being more comfortable.
I will find an electrical schematic and post it along with a picture of where it's wired in although it may be later this month.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

Thanks @SawAddictedFarmer ! I never did look into much, mostly due to being given a couple of free Cub Cadets. Home Depot types so nothing special, but 42" and 46" decks as well as being more comfortable.
I will find an electrical schematic and post it along with a picture of where it's wired in although it may be later this month.

Alright. It doesn't matter to me I just figured I'd offer to help out since I do quit a bit of electrical on mowers. It's hard to beat free mowers!