John Deere 430 died while mowing

[canucklehead]

not sure what happened.

after all of this, our battery symbol did not display on the dash, but we got the glow plug light and another light to display with the key turned on. but no crank noise at all, no click... nothing.

so i removed battery and checked the only 2 fuses I could locate (both blade style); they were fine. I wiggled a few wires that looked suspect. pushed a couple of wires further onto terminals. I removed one relay and plugged it back in (I thot it might have fuses, but it was a solid relay). then i put battery back on, and saw the battery icon/symbol illuminate. I thot.. hmmm And VOILA... it starts and runs fine.

wish I knew more.kinda glad it was relatively easy, but still not 100% sure what fixed it.

 

[beenthere]

Fixed is fixed, and now you have a clue (and may help if it happens again ) :drink:

 

[Farmwithjunk]

You rebooted your tractor.....Works for computers.....!

 

[Egon]

Think about going back, cleaning all the fuse and relay contacts and use some dielectric grease on them before reassembly. do the same for all the safety switch contacts and battery connections.

May be unneeded work but never hurts.

 

[pat32rf]

I once got a stick caught under my JD4300 which wedged into a safety kill switch somehow. I could see it up there but couldn't reach it with the tractor sitting on the bush. had to walk back to the barn and get a set of pruning snips, which now stay in my toolbox.

 

[canucklehead]

I know mine should have some kind of a seat safety switch, but it was bypassed/disconnected before I got it. I haven't figured out where those wires are. I don't care if the seat switch is hooked up, but i'd like to know where to check that connection if I have this problem again.

 

[pat32rf]

In my case it was either the "PTO engaged " or "in gear" (hydro pedal pushed) switch that wouldn't let me re-start. The seat switch lasted about 4hrs after delivery....

 

[canucklehead]

The seat switch lasted about 4hrs after delivery....

:laughing::thumbsup: too funny!! I had an older POS Craftsman riding mower, maybe 15HP Briggs & Stratton. Some guy didn't buy it from me because he was concerned that I'd bypassed the seat safety switch!!:confused2: I can't imagine being that drunk or paranoid that a low speed lawn mowing job would have those kinds of safety concerns to me.

 

[pat32rf]

My land is mostly rock and hills. When the unit was delivered I counldn't figure out why the engine would momentarily cut out while going over rough ground. (or why the tractor seemed to ride so rough). I soon decided that I didn't need 30psi in my unloaded rear tires. In fact by lowering them to 10-15psi I could stay in the seat without bouncing up and down and having the seat switch cut out.
I then found that without the switch I could stand up for a better view over the hood when trying to "hook" or "nudge" things with the FEL around the shop and flower/rock gardens.
Now I'm finding in my old age that its a LOT easier changing implements if I can reach over to the go-pedal and move "Johnie" ahead or back one inch instead of climbing up into the seat to do it.

On a -20C morning when everything is covered in snow, the first thing I do is reach over and hit the key, then let it warm up before I climb onto that cold seat.....

I do agree that on a "gearshift" unit, the seat switch, is a DEFINITE safety feature, but on a hydro unit that STOPS when your foot is raised its of dubious value.

 

[beenthere]

We used gearshift tractors for many years without a seat switch.

And "yes", there were some knuckleheads that needed it.

Less dangerous than many who get behind the steering wheel of a car and get on the highway (or for that matter beyond the driveway).