(ET) Replacing main disconnect

[Chris Zach <czach computer org>]

Well, I replaced the main disconnect this evening.

I can see why the old one was getting hot: It's a lousy design. The 
spring can't put enough tension on the plate anymore, and thus the 
connection cross-section is really small.
So I put in one of the EVParts.com ones. Nice and big. You have to take 
a file and slightly enlarge the hole on the E20 (not too bad) and the 
suds are *much* larger. For the main wires I used a circular file to 
widen the holes, and for the PTO line and the little sense line I just 
put on 10 gauge crimps. We'll see how they hold.
Quick test drive showed the tractor driving quite a bit better. The 
disconnect studs were cold at the end; and the tractor just felt more 
"snappy" in all speeds. A worth it upgrade; we'll see this weekend after 
I mow the lawn again.
Now the big question is how it's going to perform in the winter with 
only thoe crimped connections, especially the one for the take off. I 
had to use a wide loop lug since the bolt is bigger, but that does leave 
less surface area for contact.
Also what do people do about the now lack of fuse? I'm thinking of 
putting a fuse in series with the batteries, but what size? Would a 200 
amp fuse do, or should I go to 150 or so? It's gotta be significant 
since I do blow snow with this thing.
Chris