Kohler CH20S - access front spark plug?

[TomCooper]

I have a Toro commercial mower 74180 and went to change the spark plugs.

The rear plug was annoying enough because I had to remove the battery to get clearance to get it out, and the front is worse.

I was able to pull the front plug, but could not thread the front plug to tighten it.

Worse, I dropped the plug between the block and the heat shield and am having a devil of a time trying to fish it out.
Is there a trick to this? What am I missing?

 

[Auto Doc's]

A commercial mower is a dealer level machine if you can find one in your area. They are not cheap and not repair friendly.

 

[TomCooper]

I have a Toro commercial mower 74180 and went to change the spark plugs.

The rear plug was annoying enough because I had to remove the battery to get clearance to get it out, and the front is worse.

I was able to pull the front plug, but could not thread the front plug to tighten it.

Worse, I dropped the plug between the block and the heat shield and am having a devil of a time trying to fish it out.
Is there a trick to this? What am I missing?

I ended up jacking up the traction unit and using my creeper to reach and remove 4 bolts that held the heat shield in place. I was able to pull it out far enough to reach the missing plug and then install it.

Much more effort than I expected. But now I’ve got fresh plugs, air filter, oil & filter. Running well now.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have a Toro commercial mower 74180 and went to change the spark plugs.

The rear plug was annoying enough because I had to remove the battery to get clearance to get it out, and the front is worse.

I was able to pull the front plug, but could not thread the front plug to tighten it.

Worse, I dropped the plug between the block and the heat shield and am having a devil of a time trying to fish it out.
Is there a trick to this? What am I missing?

To get them started in a tight area, use a short section of fuel hose or vacuum line pushed tightly onto the tip of the plug, then ease it into position and get it started then twist the hose to catch the threads. From there a flex joint spark plug socket to tighten