Riding Mower electrical issue

[ftpiercecracker1]

Having some issues with my cub cadet I just can't figure out.

 

The wire delivering power from the volt reg to the battery arcs badly at the moment of connection and gets very hot as if something is dead shorting, but I can find no such short. 

 

From the charging wire I get a good reading between 9-13.5volts depending on rpm.

 

 

 

Just as an fyi, I have reduced the original harness down to its most basic functions, hoping to eliminate any trouble spots, key start/stop, blade engage/disengage. The only thing out of the ordinary is a relay wired up to power everything as well as an electric fuel pump. The relay is triggered by the key switch. Power enters the ign switch via a connection on the starter solenoid, exits when the key is turned, then trips the relay which then applys direct battery power to all functions (headlights, fuel pump, blades)

 

[Jeep Driver]

My guess is the battery itself. 

 

What model?

[ftpiercecracker1]

lt1050, it's about 10 years old I think, the tractor. 

 

Battery is hardly a week old, has good volts across posts (12.6v)

 

 

[Jeep Driver]

Check the ground to the VR.

[ftpiercecracker1]

VR is bolted/grounded to the block.

(-) Battery cable is directly connected to block as well.