Mowing Finish mower disappointments

[Marks481]

I had the same problem with my PTO when I got my PT... except that the PTO was DOA.

The problem was not the solenoid, but that the spool had been overtorqued on assembly. Terry shipped a new spool overnight. It takes about 15 minutes to swap them out... it takes 45 minutes if you try to do it without taking the left rear tire off (mounting bolts for the PTO solenoid are behind the tire).

The old thread is here...
PTO failure thread

THe picture below shows the bolt with a yellow circle around it that holds the solenoid windings around the spool. Terry said this bolt must have been overtorqued. Didn't really make much sense, but disassembly and reassmbly temporarily solved the problem (PTO failed after another couple of hours), and the replacement spool has run for the last 12 months with no problems.

 

[Marks481]

I had the same problem with my PTO when I got my PT... except that the PTO was DOA.

The problem was not the solenoid, but that the spool had been overtorqued on assembly. Terry shipped a new spool overnight. It takes about 15 minutes to swap them out... it takes 45 minutes if you try to do it without taking the left rear tire off (mounting bolts for the PTO solenoid are behind the tire).

The old thread is here...
PTO failure thread

THe picture below shows the bolt with a yellow circle around it that holds the solenoid windings around the spool. Terry said this bolt must have been overtorqued. Didn't really make much sense, but disassembly and reassmbly temporarily solved the problem (PTO failed after another couple of hours), and the replacement spool has run for the last 12 months with no problems.

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

Thanks Tim! I guess I should have mentioned that the first thing I did was check this forum and I came across that old thread. I have tested the power lead with a multimeter to make sure everything from the switch to the solenoid is functioning.

It's interesting that flipping the PTO switch is met by complete silence. There's no clicking of the solenoid at all. I guess that's because the spool is stuck? Just to clarify, we're talking about replacing the spool valve right?

Does this repair require any draining/bleeding of the hydraulic system?

Thanks for the help. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

Thanks Tim! I guess I should have mentioned that the first thing I did was check this forum and I came across that old thread. I have tested the power lead with a multimeter to make sure everything from the switch to the solenoid is functioning.

It's interesting that flipping the PTO switch is met by complete silence. There's no clicking of the solenoid at all. I guess that's because the spool is stuck? Just to clarify, we're talking about replacing the spool valve right?

Does this repair require any draining/bleeding of the hydraulic system?

Thanks for the help. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[blackwell]

Turn the key on, turn the pto switch on, check to see if 12 volts is coming to the solenoid coil. Might have a loose wire.

 

[blackwell]

Turn the key on, turn the pto switch on, check to see if 12 volts is coming to the solenoid coil. Might have a loose wire.

 

[Marks481]

When I say "spool", I am talking about the piece that the solenoid bolts to, which has an inner "spool which shifts back and forth inside the hydraulic block to port oil one way or another.

When you undo the nut that I circled in yellow, the solenoid will slide off. THe spool housing itself can then be unscrewed from the side of the hydraulic block.

I knew the solenoid coils worked, since when I turned it to "PTO on", I could tell that a magnetic field (although not super strong) was generated.

I thought I had taken a picture of the spool itself, but I can't find it anywhere.

 

[Marks481]

When I say "spool", I am talking about the piece that the solenoid bolts to, which has an inner "spool which shifts back and forth inside the hydraulic block to port oil one way or another.

When you undo the nut that I circled in yellow, the solenoid will slide off. THe spool housing itself can then be unscrewed from the side of the hydraulic block.

I knew the solenoid coils worked, since when I turned it to "PTO on", I could tell that a magnetic field (although not super strong) was generated.

I thought I had taken a picture of the spool itself, but I can't find it anywhere.

 

[stray]

I had the same problem and was given the same advice you received. In the end I loosened and tightened the nut and pecked around on the solenoid. After that I was good to go and have not had the problems since. If I didn't thank you guys for the info I will do it now. Thanks Guys.

 

[stray]

I had the same problem and was given the same advice you received. In the end I loosened and tightened the nut and pecked around on the solenoid. After that I was good to go and have not had the problems since. If I didn't thank you guys for the info I will do it now. Thanks Guys.

 

[Beechwood]

Sorry to here about your problems. I wonder if the factory has a quality control dept that actually checks these units before they ship? NOT!!!. I don't believe the PTO gets damaged while in transit. The 180 has a mechanical PTO- push the lever forward to turn it on or pull the lever back to turn it off. SIMPLE ENGINEERING.

 

[Beechwood]

Sorry to here about your problems. I wonder if the factory has a quality control dept that actually checks these units before they ship? NOT!!!. I don't believe the PTO gets damaged while in transit. The 180 has a mechanical PTO- push the lever forward to turn it on or pull the lever back to turn it off. SIMPLE ENGINEERING.

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

Thanks guys. I'm wondering if I can just try and loosen and retorque the nut to something less than 10lbs. I guess it's worth a shot. I'll see if I can get around to it today.

blackwell, we must have posted at around the same time. Yes, I tested the circuit up to the solenoid and checked out fine.

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

Thanks guys. I'm wondering if I can just try and loosen and retorque the nut to something less than 10lbs. I guess it's worth a shot. I'll see if I can get around to it today.

blackwell, we must have posted at around the same time. Yes, I tested the circuit up to the solenoid and checked out fine.

 

[Marks481]

that was what I did while I was waiting for a replacement part. It worked for about 5 hours, then failed again.

I am not sure why PT chose to install the electric solenoid... it would have been simple enough to mount a control block on the left side of the dashboard with a hande like the attachment release on the right hand side. That toggle switch doesn't really add any functionality, and they had to run the hydraulic hoses up front anyhow.

 

[Marks481]

that was what I did while I was waiting for a replacement part. It worked for about 5 hours, then failed again.

I am not sure why PT chose to install the electric solenoid... it would have been simple enough to mount a control block on the left side of the dashboard with a hande like the attachment release on the right hand side. That toggle switch doesn't really add any functionality, and they had to run the hydraulic hoses up front anyhow.

 

[johara1]

first belt failed 350 hrs.,had some help over the winter,they built a nest in there.maybe they like the taste of rubber /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifadded a 1/2 plate between the front wheel mounts and the deck.that lowered the cut,no wind rowing,keep the blades sharp /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifdoes a great job...jim

 

[johara1]

first belt failed 350 hrs.,had some help over the winter,they built a nest in there.maybe they like the taste of rubber /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifadded a 1/2 plate between the front wheel mounts and the deck.that lowered the cut,no wind rowing,keep the blades sharp /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifdoes a great job...jim

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

I think the solenoid is a more modern approach (for the sake of a better term). It seems to be the component that is failing, not the design. Unfortunately, I just found out the hard way that Terry's schedule is 7-3 (at least for today and tomorrow). Guess that means there's no service support after noon on the West coast. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

I think the solenoid is a more modern approach (for the sake of a better term). It seems to be the component that is failing, not the design. Unfortunately, I just found out the hard way that Terry's schedule is 7-3 (at least for today and tomorrow). Guess that means there's no service support after noon on the West coast. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif