Kubota ZD21 electrical issue

[mojoman1963]

I have a ZD21, the ground wire looked to be black attached to the frame right behind the battery is melting. I noticed when I went to fire it up the wire turned cherry red and could smell plastic burning. Does anyone have a clue what could be the issue??

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

2 options,

1: You have a bad ground issue to the engine, and when you cranked it all the AMPS tried to run on that small ground wire.
2: the other end of that wire is shorted to positive when you cranked it.

I'm really leaning to 1:

 

[Edke6bnl]

Seems like you need a new ground strap and clean metal surfaces to connect to.

 

[mojoman1963]

I appreciate it I'll check it out

 

[GreensvilleJay]

probably NIW's #1.
replace the ground wire AND while you're at it, replace the fat +ve one too.

 

[mojoman1963]

Was the ground, had to file on frame to make a better ground. Replaced the wire and it's up and running again. Thanks for everyone's help