JD 318 lawn tractor

[jakew55]

I have a JD 318 with a 46" mower deck. The front PTO won't engage. The light comes on when you flip the switch, and the belts are good. Any ideas?

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

The pto is electric. There are 2 problems I have heard of, too much space between the metal cluch plates and burned up coil/bad elec cnnection with coil. There may be more problems I am unaware of. I don't recall what the cluch plate clearence is make it as small as you can get it without touching when disengaged.

On edit: O'ya, welcome aboard.

 

[jakew55]

Thanx Charlie, I'll check the coil

 

[KENSFM]

Check the space between the rotor and armature on your PTO. The correct gap should be .018 in. This is adjusted by turning the 3 lock nuts to obtain the correct gap. Does it engage when the tractor is cold? Most problems occur after the PTO has warmed up. Also as said your coil could be bad.
Good luck,
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif