Fixed! The shop charged me for two hours and a replacement safety switch, could not find the short issue. I got under the tractor back at the barn and found the problem immediately - not in the same place as you, but the two yellow and red and one black wire, completely shredded. I spliced new wires in, fired up and everything is working fine again. Battery being charged, tach and all gauges/lights.
Thanks for leading me in the right direction! Can't believe the "mechanic" could not find the issue - it was so obvious.
I'll sleep better, and am $400 "richer!"