2003 TC30 (Hydrostatic) won’t start/safety switch problem

[maresnestvt]

I have a TC30 that i had just been using for some brush cutting. Stopped the tractor, and now it refuses to start. It was acting like a safety switch problem, so I started shorting one switch at a time by disconnecting each switch and replacing it with a jumper wire. After several tests, I believe I found the faulty switch— the lowest one underneath the tractor on the side of the transmission, I think. (See photo). If I disconnect that switch and connect the leads going to it, the tractor starts exactly as usual.

My questions;

1. What is this safety switch for/connected to? Transmission? One of the PTOs?
2. How complicated is it to replace this switch? It looks like it just screws into the side of the transmission? Is this a simple swap? Do I have to drain the hydraulic fluid? etc.
3. What are the safety risks of mowing with this switch disabled (jumpered)?

Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.

 

[Fedup]

Looks like the transmission neutral switch. Safety concerns about using the tractor with switch disabled? None. With the possible exception of the operator aggravation circuit, which kills the engine if the seat switch opens, the PTO is on, and the neutral switch is open. (which if bypassed, it cannot open) Point being that the "engine kill" feature could be affected in certain circumstances with the switch bypassed. However, it will do nothing to interrupt, damage, or adversely affect any normal operation of the tractor.

You may experience a slight leak there while the switch is out, but if you have the replacement in hand you won't lose enough fluid to worry about.