2006 GT2550 -- PTO doesn't engage

[mtoneill]

Well, I just brought this tractor home after purchasing it for $2200. I thought it was a good deal as the tractor only has 30 hours on it. It started up fine, but when I tried to engage the blades, they would start to spin for what seemed like a half second, then nothing. I tried everything, including removing the deck to see if the PTO would work on it's own. Nothing. I can't even get the PTO spindle to move by hand, if that's even possible anyway. My good deal isn't turning out so good.

Any suggestions before I take it into the shop?

Also, it looks as if a mouse may have gotten into this thing. The Air Filter preclean foam was really chewed up. There also appeared to be something that could have been a nest in the little area behind the PTO electrical plug.

Thanks,

mto

 

[OldMachinist]

Check to see if you have 12 volts to the pto when you pull the switch. If your not getting voltage or it is briefly there check the pto relay.

 

[mtoneill]

Thanks for the reply. Looking in the parts manual, I see a relay, but it doesn't say what the relay is for. If I trace the wire from the switch to the clutch, would I find the relay? I have a voltmeter, should I test it with that?

Thanks again.

mto

 

[OldMachinist]

The relay is a black rectangle likely wire tied to the harness behind the dash. You can check the PTO voltage at the plug with your voltmeter. Someone will have to be sitting in the seat or the seat switch bypassed.

 

[philipb]

Check the connection to your clutch on the front of the engine and at the switch on the dash, also the power to the switch. It is an electric clutch and needs 12 volts to engage. A loose wire can cause a prob. It seems unimaginable that the clutch facing could be worn out unless it has been slipping due to not enough juice to make it engage solidly. the clutch on these GT mowers seems nice and big, so I wouldn't expect problems with them.