JD 420 Lawn and Garden PTO problem.

Eric_Whitney · Sep 23, 2003

I have JD 420 Lawn and Garden tractor. I am having a problem blowing the main 20 amp fuse when engaging the PTO. After replacing the fuse the tractor starts and runs fine untill the PTO is engaged. I did see a Electromagnetic PTO Clutch parts list on the JD parts site. Could this be going bad? Any ideas where to start?

jrlichina · Sep 23, 2003

Yeah it sounds like the clutch is grounding out. Check the wires that run to the clutch to make sure there are no shorts leading to the clutch. If that's all Ok check the windings of the electromagnet on the clutch for shorts or too much resistance. I'd guess it's time for a new clutch, they tend to be expensive if you can't buy individual replacement parts. Good luck.

cef2lion · Sep 23, 2003

Might not be the problem but I have a JD322. I follow a news group on Yahoo and there is always a lot of mention about checking th air gap in the electric PTO. Seems to solve a lot of problems. There are three locations to put the feeler gauge. The book says to check each one a few times as you adjust. There are three nuts that control the gap and changing one could change the other. Might want to check that out before you buy parts just to be sure.

Craig

Molerj · Sep 23, 2003

I would definitely inspect the wires to the clutch before purchasing a new clutch. You may even be able to unplug the connection at the pto clutch & then try the switch. If that proves ok, remove the clutch & inspect it. You may see a place where the wire coming out of the clutch has a piece of insulation rubbed off.