Kubota L275 head-scratcher

[Alpha Dog]

Last week, I was trying to figure out how to install the Kubota supplied ROPS on the old Kubota L275 we bought so the spouse would have her own tractor. Well, after searching the ENTIRE internet, I found a set of instructions for installing the ROPS. Drove tractor up on driveway and got it installed this Tuesday, then, the tractor wouldn't start. It was running fine when I drove it there, oil, water, etc. were all okay, no strange vibrations or noises.
After installing ROPS, no lights, no lights on the dashboard, not a click, whir, or buzz.
Checked battery, it's okay. 12 + volts, amps okay.
Checked fuses, all okay. Replaced inline fuse holder for hazard lights, in case that was related to dash lights, and it was kind of 電ry rotted but no change.
I disconnected everything electrical that leads to the rear of the tractor, to cut out any "short circuit" I might have caused by pinching any wires while installing ROPS. No luck, no change.
I seem to have power at the big lead to the solenoid, and still have power at the center lead to the key switch, and to the glow plug wires from the switch.
Used multi-tester to test clutch safety switch, it seems okay, shows continuity when clutch is depressed, (and I figured that with having no dashboard lights, for oil pressure,charging system, etc. it wouldn't be a safety switch issue anyway.)
Took starter off engine, it turns, at least by hand. Solenoid doesn't even click when I turn key, but I still don't seem to be getting power all the way there anyway.
I used the FEL on the other tractor to "hoist" the ROPS into place to install it, but no big "bumps" or vibrations that I thought could have damaged anything.
What am I missing? I thought about the switch itself, but no one locally has one in stock, so it値l be a week or so before I can get one, and since I致e got to work next weekend, longer than that to get it installed.
Any input or suggestions would be appreiciated.

 

[Travelover]

I'd start out by checking my ground connections and battery connections very carefully - visually then with a multimeter. Clean 'em well.

Then I would trace the power from the battery back through the ignition switch, fuses and to each powered piece - fuel cut off, starter solenoid, etc. It is unlikely any component suddenly died - probably something just got pulled loose.

 

[brain55]

Sounds like the fusible link is blown and likely just a coincidence. The fusible like is on the firewall.

Brian

 

[Alpha Dog]

OK, was out still trying. Pull-started the L275 with another tractor, fired right up, so engine is fine. I replaced the fusible link the day it wouldn't start, forgot to mention that. Have replaced battery clamps, (always have those in my shop) and cleaned the terminals. Traced wires all the way back to the key switch, found "continuity" everywhere except, from the switch to the wire leading back to the solenoid. I just tried to "hotwire" from the hot wire leading from the switch to the wire leading to the solenoid (with wife holding clutch pedal down to insure that switch was engaged), no go. That's why I'm now seriously scratching my head.

 

[Travelover]

It seems unlikely, but maybe the switch is bad. Can you test across the leads?

 

[Alpha Dog]

Yeah, seemed unlikely to me too, I tested from the "hot" center wire to each of the four terminals, (moving the switch as necessary). I got nothing on the starter lead, but pegged the ohm-meter on the other three, including the one which should be sending current to the pilot lights and hour-meter when it's "on". Now I'm really scratching my head.
I hope there's an "expert" here who knows where I'm missing some secret Kubota thing.

 

[Bamo]

I've suddenly got problems starting our L275.
Noticeably the glow plug indicator is now glowing "white hot" very quickly indeed,compared to it usually glowing "red hot" within 5 -10 secs.
Anybody out there got any suggestions where to start looking..?
Cheers