WEll, i havent been on here in a while but the last time i was was for replacing pins/bushings, and you guys really hooked me up, i did not smash my toes, had my pin tool made and an understanding of the process before i started, thanks again.. new dilema - Hadent started the skidsteer in a while, went to start it , battery was dead, hhoked up a jump starter (55amp assist) and it started right up, let her run for a while, and then shut her down, went out 2 days later and she was dead as a doornail again, so i figured battery was dead and she needed a jump, hooked up some cables to my truck and there was a hell of sparking when i tried to hook up the cables to the bobcat, but i did, about 1 minute later i saw some smoke coming off of the red cable which leaves the solenoid and appears to run to the alternator, under the motor. i pulled the starter and had it tested, the reputible electric starter rebuilder in town tested and said the bearing is bad but the drag caused by this would not heat up the wire like that.. so i left the starter to be rebuilt anyway but am wondering if anyone has had a similar problem? is my alternator shot? i am confused? thanks Ryan Sherry Ithaca ny