Tractor Repair: 1978 Ford 1600 Diesel Electrical problem, neutral safety switch, starter solenoid

Question
I have a Ford 1600 diesel tractor that will not start.  The glow plug takes a while to heat up and the starter / solenoid will not turn over.  I have checked the battery and it is charged.  Any ideas where to start troubleshooting?

Answer
check the neutral safety switch. move the lever around and see if you can find a place where it will start. See if you have power to the starter solenoid when you turn the key. If you do then the starter is bad. Hit the solenoid with a hammer and see if it starts. if it does then replace the starter.