This is for anyone interested in how I resolved the non-start/click issue - my troubleshooting showed me that I was only getting 11-12 volts at the starter solenoid when cranking which led me to have the battery tested at my local Autozone, followed by fabricating a new negative battery cable from 2/0 welding cable complete with good quality copper lugs and ensuring a clean contact surface at the frame, and finally adding a relay to the starting circuit. I used the existing wire going to the starter solenoid as a trigger to the relay coil and it engages the load contacts to supply battery voltage directly to the solenoid using 10 gauge wire. My tractor now consistently and reliably starts like it should.
As to the peeling paint inside the rear fender well - my local dealer sold me a can of overpriced matching spray paint and I will go thru the effort of properly prepping and respraying that area when I pull the heavy liquid filled rear wheels as part of the 50 hour surface.
I really like this TYM tractor, but I shouldn't have to do this work on a brand new machine. Sure, I would expect this on a used tractor and maybe could have negotiated a better price with the seller, but not after spending this kind of money at a dealer. To prospective buyers, learn from my experience and do a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI). My PDI was very detailed but I missed the paint issue in the inner wheel well and the starter didn't start acting up until two weeks after I bought it.
