Help needed...MT125 dies whenever PTO is engaged

[power2theq]

Hello to everyone. I hope someone else has experienced this type of situation.

Here's what happened. I was mowing using the MMM and was almost done when I smelled something burning and looked down to see smoke. Anyway, I shut down the PTO and drove the tractor back to the shed.

After snooping around I see the belt is damaged like something got jammed in there. After some more investigating, I noticed a retainer pin and washer were missing from the mower linkage under the tractor. I later found the washer under the pulley cover on the MMM.

My best guess is that the washer and pin fell out and one or both got stuck between the belt and pulley which in turn destroyed the belt.

So I repaired the linkage and the belt but now as soon as I engage the PTO switch, the tractor dies. The 30 amp fuse for the PTO circuit blows.

If I replace the fuse, I can start the tractor and use everything except the PTO function.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

I ordered the MT125 service manual and a new PTO switch which will be here by the end of the week. Until then my grass is out of control and the land is turning into a jungle...lol.

 

[3Lfarms]

I am skeptical that you had a mechanical and electrical problems at the same time. I would look closely for a damaged wire before swapping out switches or solenoids.

 

[tookielee]

My mower fell off too, wasn't mowing, but backing up and bent the linkage...
the cotter pins were never installed during setup.
LS quality control leaves something to be desired.
With the engine off, ensure that the blades can spin freely,
maybe something is binding.

 

[JakeLS]

My mower fell off too, wasn't mowing, but backing up and bent the linkage...
the cotter pins were never installed during setup.
LS quality control leaves something to be desired.
With the engine off, ensure that the blades can spin freely,
maybe something is binding.

Tookielee,
I think I would blame your dealer for poor final assembly rather than LS quality control.
I agree i would make sure all 3 blades spin freely with tension off of the tensioner pulley and make sure theres nothing crazy going on with the gear box and shaft.

 

[Diggin It]

Take the MMM off, or at least remove the Mid PTO shaft and try the PTO switch that way. Also try the rear PTO only position.

 

[power2theq]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I don't have access to the tractor right now but I did spin the mower gearbox by hand before I reconnected so I'm sure it is not binding. I can also spin the mid PTO shaft by hand if I select the rear PTO position. Don't know if that means anything.

I can only assume that something on the PTO control side overheated when the belt was damaged. But I don't have much experience with tractors so I ordered a service manual.

Hopefully, once I see a diagram of how everything is connected it will be easy to diag. I ordered the PTO switch to have it on hand just in case it is the cause. The LS dealer is over an hour away from the property plus I can only work on the tractor during the weekends. The rest of the time I'm back in the city working.

 

[JakeLS]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I don't have access to the tractor right now but I did spin the mower gearbox by hand before I reconnected so I'm sure it is not binding. I can also spin the mid PTO shaft by hand if I select the rear PTO position. Don't know if that means anything.

I can only assume that something on the PTO control side overheated when the belt was damaged. But I don't have much experience with tractors so I ordered a service manual.

Hopefully, once I see a diagram of how everything is connected it will be easy to diag. I ordered the PTO switch to have it on hand just in case it is the cause. The LS dealer is over an hour away from the property plus I can only work on the tractor during the weekends. The rest of the time I'm back in the city working.

Let us know when you figure it out.