GT2544 PTO Clutch

[Captain Ned]

Managed to find a branch which stopped the deck cold and snapped the deck belt. Now, PTO won't engage. I can hear the solenoid/relay click, but that's it. Since I can't find the service manual, what's my fault tree?

Thanks in advance.

 

[moe1942]

Check to see that the key didn't shear.

 

[OldMachinist]

Also check the wire to the PTO clutch didn't get disconnected.

 

[Captain Ned]

I did find a blown 5A fuse. I'm sorta hoping that's the cure. PTO pulley does not spin free, so the key isn't sheared. My guess/hope is that the deck belt snapping saved upstream damage.

EDIT: A new deck belt and a new fuse and all is well.

 

[JTKub]

... what's my fault tree?

The one you ran over.

Just kiddin!

Glad you got it resolved.

 

[Captain Ned]

Glad you got it resolved.

Not so resolved, as I snapped the deck belt again yesterday in 4-5" grass. Guess I need to check the spindles and make sure everything's aligned properly.

 

[JTKub]

My across the street neighbor snapped the deck belt on his beast of a (Garden Way built) Troy Bilt tractor just before he was going to lend me the tractor! Same thing. A good 6" of thick grass. When he picked up a replacement belt the counter guy said he sold at least a dozen PTO and/or deck belts for various machines today alone. It seems like it's more the mowing conditions.

 

[Captain Ned]

My across the street neighbor snapped the deck belt on his beast of a (Garden Way built) Troy Bilt tractor just before he was going to lend me the tractor! Same thing. A good 6" of thick grass. When he picked up a replacement belt the counter guy said he sold at least a dozen PTO and/or deck belts for various machines today alone. It seems like it's more the mowing conditions.

Well, I hope the replacements on order will work with the deck at max height. I tried to tame the dandelion beasts with the push mower and that was an instant no-go. Heck, when I snapped the last one I was taking maybe a 10" cut on a 44" deck.

By the time the ground dries out, the side hill will be unmowable.

 

[marv barton]

For my future reference where did you find that 5A fuse that was blown??TIA.

 

[Captain Ned]

For my future reference where did you find that 5A fuse that was blown??TIA.

There's two blade-type fuseholders on wires sticking out of the backside of the instrument panel sort of hanging over the battery. There isn't much slack so you'll need to stick your head under the hood.

 

[marv barton]

Thanks Cap'n Ned. I have a 2544 as well and figure that may save me a 60 mile trip one day. BTW I am a long time member/lurker but got a new account recently due to password issues.

 

[Captain Ned]

You're welcome. You'll find that the crowd here really wants to help you fix whatever is wrong and is very supportive of those who try to go DIY.

 

[smrqz]

I also have a 2544 also with PTO problems. I was mowing, 1 1/2 hrs, PTO just stopped. Fuse is fine, replaced anyway. Blades are clear. Checking everything I found a black wire, , looks like 18 ga. wrapped around the shaft on the engine side, sheared and frayed.

When I start the PTO, it sounds like it spins, but doesn't engage the belt-pulley. Try to spin by hand it locks so I guess the key isn't broken. No? I can't find where the wire goes, can't find a diagram on line showing the PTO with the wire, can't get it fixed - any ideas? I don't think it is just debris, but can't find other leads. Sure would appreciate anyone's help. Thanks, Sam

 

[OldMachinist]

The PTO wiring looks like this.