Delayed PTO

[GTSRider]

My 2003 3000 series has had a problem that has worsened.
After flipping the PTO switch.... it takes 3-5 minutes to really rev the blades at full speed. Once I have been mowing for 15 minutes or more...
the blades will engage instantly as they should.
Now that fall is hear and I use it for leaves... the problem is worse....
probably because of the cold ambient temps.
What's up ?
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

The 3000 series has a vacuum operated PTO clutch. Likely you ether have a vacuum leak or the actuator is going bad.

 

[ohmboy]

I know this thread is a tad bit old, but I was having the same problem. Solved last night with a new set of pto belts. Seems that the originals had stretched over time and would no longer allow allow the pto to engage. It was progressive in that it had gotten worse over time. If I were to cut the belts apart and lay them side by side I bet the old ones would be at least an inch or so longer.

 

[teharris25]

I too have the "slow to operate" PTO problem and I did not realize that the 3200 has an actuator rather than an electric clutch. Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[jdrobison]

you got to be kidding, with all the modern technology we are going backwards to vac engaged pto clutches:thumbdown:. :confused2:Incredible
I guess thats why I still run my 25 year old 1811:thumbsup:.

 

[geneP]

I have a 2000 series with electric PTO and the 3000 with the vacuum actuated PTO. I much prefer the smooth engagement of the vacuum actuation over the jerky electric. I guess opinions are like ............