Farmtrac 270DTC will not turn over

Clint S · Apr 21, 2020

5030 said:
looks like it could use a bath as well. Thing is filthy.

That helps. LOL
There are a few safety switches . 23 on this pic. Looks like one on the fender and one in the case

Clint S · Apr 21, 2020

You need to determine if there is power to solenoid on the key side to engage it and then is the solenoid working. Power to both lugs with key switched. You can jump solenoid and it will turn over but not starting when the key is in off position. Is it engaging the fly wheel? It could be a safety switch. I do not believe there it s a PTO or seat switch. Just neutral one, maybe clutch one but not sure. Just the 2 I saw in the pic. Like said above verify. battery and connections too. A " bath" will not in any way fix or troubleshoot your issue so skip that fok r now. LOL

kthompson · Apr 21, 2020

If you suspect the battery, use a know good battery say your pickup or car and jump it. If you hear it spinning but not engaging it could be a bad Bendix or weak battery not spinning it fast enough to engage the Bendix. Assume this starter uses the Bendix type starter.

I am with TxJim, sounds like bad battery cable connections. The clamps on the cables can be bad where the cable enters the clamps and also the inside of the clamps.

Tx Jim · Apr 22, 2020

maxchch said:
I took a screwdriver and jumped across the solenoid yesterday and it made a spinning noise. Would I need the clutch depressed?

When you attempted to jump across starter did you put screwdriver blade from small terminal(should be marked "s") to top terminal on solenoid?

It's also much safer when attempting to jump across starter solenoid posts to have someone sitting in seat with traction clutch pedal depressed. I've know people that got run over & received broken bones from jump starting a tractor

maxchch · Apr 22, 2020

Problem Solved. I would like to thank you all for the input and knowledge. I found the problem when I started taking the tractor apart. Underneath the floor (under foot) were two broke wires just at the edge of the split loom protector. They were to the clutch safety switch, which I couldn't see either from underneath the tractor.. I guess a squirrel or something chewed through them because it wasn't a clean cut. BONUS: I have a new battery which I apparently needed anyway. Cranks like a new tractor. Thanks again!