I just finished mowing (about 4 hours) pulled the tractor in front of the barn to let it cool off. A couple hours later I went to start and it would not crank. I will do my best to describe what I'm hearing. When I turn the key it makes a loud sharp scraping sound. The sound seems to be coming from the left went sitting in the drivers seat. Would the starter just stop working like that or might it be something else. Appreciate any help you can send my way it's a JD 2520.
Can't start my JD 2520
- Thread starter Piedmont
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Tx Jim
New Member
1st thing to do is double check to be sure trans & pto are in neutral. Then check battery voltage with a volt meter. Then remove,clean & tighten all 4 battery cable connections.
BigMike50
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2013
- Messages
- 389
- Location
- Uranus
- Tractor
- 2012 JD 3520 Cab 1996 JD LX172 1985 Wheel Horse
Sounds like the gear is stuck in the open postion. I have had this happen on other machines. Give a sharp blow to the side of the starter with a wrench or a rubber mallet. I usually just use a heavy wrench. Give it a good blow and then try to start. Should catch and start.
mcgill72143
Silver Member
when all else fails, use a :hammer:
I did all the above and change. I saw the suggestion about hitting the starter with a wrench if it were to work it sounds like a temporary fix. Thank you for the fed back.
mcgill72143
Silver Member
yup...I've done many of starters like that Mike.....have someone try to start it while im out under the hood tapping on the starter with a hammer ......It usually worked no problem.....
As soon as I get back from church, I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again.
Unfortunately that didn't work. I hit it closer to the mounting bolts a couple of three good wacks nothing.
Randyklang
New member
Piedmont, Have you looked into the battery? Same situation on my 2520 last summer. Mowed, went in for lunch and would not even turn over when I came back. The battery operated the fuel pump (clicking sound when key is on) and also operated headlights. However, wouldn't crank machine. Took the battery in for a load test and it was toast. 1 new battery and I have not heard from it since. I would try that.
Randy, I cleaned the terminal and put it on the Battery Tender and it charged and it still won't start. Was your 2520 making a loud sharp noise when you tried to start? It sounds like the starter but if yours made the same noise I go the new battery route first.
Randyklang
New member
No strange noises on mine. In fact, it wouldn't even turn the engine over. The starter would not even engage. Only noise was the usual clicking of the electric fuel pump. Maybe I didn't read your post closely enough. If it is turning over and making a sharp noise, that does sound like a starter?
However, I think most dealers or battery stores will do do the load test on you battery for free. Only problem is you have to take the battery to them. When mine failed, I cleaned and re-tightened the posts too and still got the same results. I just have not heard of anyone ever having starter issues, but anything is possible for sure. Hope it turns out ok for you!
However, I think most dealers or battery stores will do do the load test on you battery for free. Only problem is you have to take the battery to them. When mine failed, I cleaned and re-tightened the posts too and still got the same results. I just have not heard of anyone ever having starter issues, but anything is possible for sure. Hope it turns out ok for you!
BigMike50
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2013
- Messages
- 389
- Location
- Uranus
- Tractor
- 2012 JD 3520 Cab 1996 JD LX172 1985 Wheel Horse
from his explantion "When I turn the key it makes a loud sharp scraping sound." it sounds like he has plenty of battery power and it is the starter teeth not catching with the flywheel teeth. If the hammer method did not work, I would start by pulling the starter and looking to see if the gear is retracting properly. also, look for broken teeth on the starter and the flywheel if need be
Happy to report it was the battery. My dealer diagnosed my problem over the phone!
Randyklang
New member
Great news Piedmont! The easier the fix the better! Happy mowing!
