I broke the key on my new tractor and what I did to fix it.

sbct · Apr 25, 2017

John Fitzgerald said:
I was hitting my key with my knee and bending it when getting off the tractor. I had a new one made at the local Farmer's Co-op, and it has a much shorter bow (head), so I don't hit it.

Same solution I'm using. My key actually broke in two after enough bending and bending back. $5 for a replacement from my local locksmith/key store.

tomplum · May 1, 2017

I did kind of what Plas did except used a red water valve handle and JB'd the cut off key in place. Reminds me of something out of the 40's...

NHbobXJ2025 · Nov 9, 2018

Yup, bent mine within a day or two. Weighing options. Will have a fix by the end of the month.

Diggin It · Nov 9, 2018

sbct said:
Anyone consider remounting the ignition lock somewhere else in the plastic dash?

Yeah, but more for another reason. I don't like the fact that I can't get the panel completely off to get to the battery and fuses. The switch mounts through this panel and the terminals on the back of the switch are wired individually instead of using a molded plug. I'd like to either move the switch or find a way to add a connector.

Industrial Toys · Nov 9, 2018

Same thing on my Steiner. It's going full tilt, you turn around to look back and your knee hits it, shutting it off.

I would heat up a big sewing needle and put a hook in the end. Then hold it with small vice grips and try and pull it out. Some keyways, you can push it out from the other side if you can get at it.

LS Tractor Owner · Nov 9, 2018

Diggin It said:
Yeah, but more for another reason. I don't like the fact that I can't get the panel completely off to get to the battery and fuses. The switch mounts through this panel and the terminals on the back of the switch are wired individually instead of using a molded plug. I'd like to either move the switch or find a way to add a connector.

Look a little further back on the wires, there's a full plug/connector on the harness

Ericredslslingshot · Sep 11, 2019

Yeah I have the same issues hitting it with my leg when I get on and off even when I'm careful. So here's my solution I made up yesterday. Not too elegant but works great.