B7800 wouldn't start today...

idaguide · Oct 12, 2008

...and I figured it had something to do with the cutoff switch on the mid-PTO. For those not familiar, the PTO has to be in the OFF position to start the engine. I have 130 hours on this tractor, and I love it, but several times over the 17-18 months I've owned it it has shut down as I stepped off, apparently bumping the PTO lever.

Of course, in the manual troubleshooting section, under "won't start" or whatever, there is no mention of this. Only a brief 'footnote' in the PTO section. Took me a while the first time, but usually I've just had to bump the PTO lever a bit and it starts.

Yesterday it happened again...I pushed the PTO lever all the way down (it really already was) and it started. This afternoon when I went to start it, nothing. I worked both mid and rear PTO levers til I was blue in the face, and nothing. Then I started to think about it. The lever is nowhere NEAR the ON position when this happens, just dinkin' around slightly in the off position. I tried 'padding' the spot where the "spring-switch" hits to make sure it was making good contact, but nothing. I'm starting to think this switch has always been bad, but I'm not sure if it's this one or a seat switch. They are all interconnected, but something is wrong here...

BTW, all the other reasons for it not starting have been checked, at least I think so.

Anyone else ever have this problem? Or heard anything like it? Seems that OSHA or something like it is scrambling my day.

Thanks a lot.
grae

Jason537 · Oct 12, 2008

We have had a couple like that,. 1 B7610 and a B7800. After fiddly with them, and checking adjustment, they haven't given any more problems. Hopefully thats just the problem in your case.

crbr · Oct 12, 2008

The hydrostatic drive has an inherent problem with the safety switch. Rock your pedal until it finds the neutral position. There are several threads about that issue here on the board, if indeed that is the issue.

Most folks have had their switch replaced.

KubotaSam · Oct 12, 2008

If you can see the switch just jump the leads of the switch with a short section of wire with alligator clips on the end. This will bypass the switch and will quickly show if the switch is defective.

JOHNTHOMAS · Oct 13, 2008

Loved my B7800. Seems the safety switches are a bit of a problem with them. I went through this same problem. Thought it was the under seat switch, thought it was the clutch switch, thought it was the pto lever but after reading the other posts I now believe it was the foot throttle pedal not being dead center. Recommend all B7800 owners move the foot pedal first when/if this won't start issue comes up.

idaguide · Oct 13, 2008

Thanks all.

Rocking the pedal worked...am now wondering if the switch in the pedal should be replaced....

Thoughts?
g

DWW68 · Oct 13, 2008

I dought that it needs to be replaced. Make sure that you grease the foot peddel often so it returns back to center when released.

Barneyhunts · Oct 13, 2008

I have the same type problem with my B7800 and most often it is the foot pedal. I keep it greased and try to keep the linkage clean. But, you're right, it could also be the switch on the PTO if it shuts down when you leave the seat, or the switch on the clutch if it's a " won't start after I shut it down" situation. I carry a jumper wire in the tool box, but, haven't had to use it. Usually rocking the pedal or repositioning the PTO lever gets me going.

santacruzer · Oct 13, 2008

If the operating manual (at least the one I have for a BX2350) would spend less print on rediculous "safety issues" and give real info on the machine, I for one would like it better. I have already figured out things like it might be dangerous to "stand on the hood while operating tractor" or "do not operate machine with 8 children under 2 yrs. hanging off various parts of tractor...."

I understand why they have to have BS like this but how about a little help for the guys that spends thousands on the company's products.

A little rant there. Thanks, Paul

idaguide · Oct 14, 2008

Have to agree Santa.
In the troubleshooting section of the manual, in the Tractor Won't Start section, it has a couple obvious things about checking the fuel gauge, etc.
NOTHING about any of this. Kinda crazy.

There's a little footnote in the PTO section about having the lever in the off position or it won't start. That's the only mention about any of this. I wonder how many people like me have spent time checking fuses, looking for loose/broken wires, etc., then doing the long walk home.

Been keeping the lever greased, but the Service Manager at my dealer told me last night to check often under there for wads of dirt, pine needles, etc. He also said they troubleshoot the pedal by holding the key in the on position and rocking the pedal really slowly until the find the start/neutral position.

It's always something.
Thanks again everyone.
grae