Gator 6x4 starter problems

tlj87 · Jul 31, 2011

I have a 1993 Gator 6x4, gas, which has been having starter issues as of late. The problem has been that it will either not start, or, the starter will continuously remain engaged.

If the the key is held in the start position, sometimes nothing will occur at first and then all of the sudden, the starter will engage and will continue to run even if the engine begins to run, and, even if you turn the ignition switch to off and remove the key. The battery must be disconnected to stop the starter from running.

The starter in it was rebuilt this spring after failing due to this exact problem. The repairman said it was stuck in the 'engaged' position and replaced the associated broken parts. The machine has worked flawlessly from April until this weekend when I went to start it up.
Last summer, the JD starter relay kit was installed by a JD mechanic to 'solve' this problem.

Any ideas?
Thank you!

twinponds · Aug 4, 2011

I would suspect a short in the starter switch--I have replaced mine in my 6x4--its easy to do and should not be an expensive part. If you want to test it and have a riding mower (like a Sears) you could try pulling the starter switch out of that and putting it in the gator to see if that fixes your problem--my recollection is that they are interchangable.
To remove it from the gator (and your mower) you basically just unscrew the retaining nut that hold it to the dashboard and then it pushes back through the hole. Then just unplug it from the electric socket. Hope that works and I would try this first. Good luck.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Aug 5, 2011

if you ever need jd parts try lookin into ebay they are not even half the price and made just as good .jd wanted almost 300.00 for a starter for my hpx but i found the same starter brand new on ebay for 99.00 with shipping.