Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Here's an unusual request but I know some of you out there can help a friend in need...

I am changing the starter on a fordson power major dsl tractor.

Out with the old lever activation and in with the new key style by Bare-co. So I am wiring what seems to be a conventional starter from scratch.

I believe I can wire up the key and solenoid ok. But on the back/end of the starter is just one post for a heavy wire. Would that be earth?

Reason I ask is being a tractor there is no chassis as such and the engine forms the structure. Wouldn't the mounting of the starter be ample earth?

Anyway - if someone can put some light on this, that would be terrific - thanks.

Id assume its like a car/4x4 starter.
The large pole is the positive cable to it and uses the engine as its earth( Assuming the engine is itself earthed to the battery),

Then there should be a smaller terminal somewhere on it, this is were the trigger cable from the barrel goes to.

This is assuming its the same as a car starter.

Thanks Rory, I had the same thoughts.

Did some surfing and various pics had the heavy +ve battery wire go to the big post on the solenoid, so I did that. The small post on the solenoid from the new key switch. I tried power earlier on the post at the back of the starter only to get a spectacular fireworks show so I left it empty for now and it works a treat. Maybe it's for applications where the motor is not earthed.

Anyway she fired up after bleeding the pump (problem #2) and ready to cut grass when the rain stops.

Thanks

You cut grasss with that thing? The Power Major I had was insanely dangerous when using the pto. Having to roll start it with the pto engaged was not fun.