(ET) contactor question

[tbamc <tbamc gbta net>]

Markus,

My understanding of how a contactor works:  voltage applied at the 
smaller studs allows a larger current to flow through the larger studs. 

In this 24v contactor though, there are 2 sets of larger studs:  The 
sets on the sides of the can do not have continuity--with the mower 
off--but the two on the top of the can do.  This is what's confusing 
me.  I don't know if it's supposed to be this way, or if this indicates 
a problem.  I'm suspicious it's the latter, as that's a dead short 
across the battery?

<When you hook up these two studs to your battery (to 24V) directly do 
you hear a clicking
sound or do you have serious sparks generated when you connect the wire.>

When I hook up the top two--which originally had + and - battery 
wires--I get serious sparks.

I'd still like to know if I could use an E-T contactor.  I'd think (?) 
the 36v would be OK but I'm not sure what to do with the large neg. wire 
that goes to the battery.

Thanks.

Thon