DK 50 PTO problem

LastSTRAW · Jul 15, 2018

I need suggestions on how to repair my PTO. It doesn't always turn on when l turn on the switch. I have ruled out a bad switch because with the switch on the tractor won't start. I have ruled out the relay because I changed it with the same relay for lights and both work. Hydraulic fluid is fine. Funny thing happened last couple of times. I slammed the cab door in anger and the PTO started. Once I get it started it stays running and will usually start again the same day without issue. The longer it sits the more likely it will not start from the switch. It runs fine once I can get it to start.
Very frustrating to drive to the field to Ted or rake hay and not know if the PTO will start. Sounds like something is gummed up or sticking. Any ideas?

ritcheyvs · Jul 15, 2018

Have you tried cycling the PTO auto-manual switch?

The good news is it appears to be an electrical problem, not hydraulic.

LastSTRAW · Jul 15, 2018

I did. Once working the switch works to shut off the PTO when I lift the 3 pt hitch but no effect on the start. I leave it in manual most of the time.

LastSTRAW · Jul 15, 2018

Slamming the door works most times but not really an effective fix

LastSTRAW · Aug 6, 2018

Update

Not fixed yet but the more I use it the better it works. This week I used it to mow and bale several fields. Only had it not start a couple of times. Door slam still working for now.

Kioti Paul · Aug 6, 2018

I have a DK45SC, (which I know may be completely different than your DK50SE). Mine has two switches that operate the PTO, a switch on the dash which turns the PTO on/off/auto, and another switch on the (right) door post which is a push on / push off switch. I used to keep the dash switch on (or auto), and use the door post switch to turn the PTO on/off. A few years ago, the door post switch started becoming "problematic", and (being as lazy as I am), I just found the "sweet spot" on the door switch; leaving it on always, and using the dash switch instead - I will get around to replacing the bad switch "one of these days" (probably when it completely gives up).

When the switch started acting up, it was obvious what was happening, so I am quite sure it is not likely the same problem your having. Still, the door post switch being "on" will not prevent my tractor from starting (the dash switch must be "off"), and (being on the door post), it might be very "amicable" to a (good, hard) door slam vibrating it into contact (I've never tried it)

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in hunting down your gremlin!

Pure Animal · Aug 6, 2018

I have the same problem with my DK 40 se for some time now. Usually if i hit a bump or drop 3 point hitch quickly it starts but today it will not turn on at all. I did notice that the pto switch will not light up but if i turn off 4x4 the lights come on pto switch. Also when i turn on PTO the 4x4 dash light comes on.

phiferpharm · Aug 6, 2018

I have this problem (and have had it) for several years. It always seems to work okay when I have a mechanic looking at it, and it seems to definitely be tied to moisture or non-use. The dealer said it might be a relay under the floor of the tractor, but I've just gotten used to putting the tractor out to "Catch the Rays" on the right side of the tractor, or driving it for 20-30 minutes. It is a PIA, but not enough for me to really track it down...

Pure Animal · Aug 9, 2018

I spend many hours yesterday and today checking connection and looking for a loose wire with no luck. I then decided to take the tractor down over a steep hill to see if the 4x4 was working as PTO and 4X4 are on same fuse. Turned out the 4x4 doesn't work along with the pto even though the 4x4 was lite up. I then came back to garage and by mistake took the bottom screw out of the fuse box thinking it was holding the cover on bottom. I put screw back in check fuses and there still all good. Started tractor and PTO and 4x4 are working.. So I am guessing the bottom screw was not making a good ground. Will keep you posted if the problem comes back.

JimR · Aug 12, 2018

Pure Animal said:
I spend many hours yesterday and today checking connection and looking for a loose wire with no luck. I then decided to take the tractor down over a steep hill to see if the 4x4 was working as PTO and 4X4 are on same fuse. Turned out the 4x4 doesn't work along with the pto even though the 4x4 was lite up. I then came back to garage and by mistake took the bottom screw out of the fuse box thinking it was holding the cover on bottom. I put screw back in check fuses and there still all good. Started tractor and PTO and 4x4 are working.. So I am guessing the bottom screw was not making a good ground. Will keep you posted if the problem comes back.

Maybe a bit too much salt air up there in Nova Scotia.