Location of neutral start switch on M8540 with hydraulic shuttle

Cherrypicker7 · Feb 13, 2015

Went out to start the M8540 this afternoon, and it wouldn't engage the starter, batteries up, fuel solenoid seems to engage, but the starter won't even crank. Could get it running by jumping across the solenoid on the starter, but the wire to energize the solenoid isn't getting energized. Was hoping the neutal start switch was accessed under the dash, nope, just the shuttle linkage and the cable, so I'm guessing it is somewhere the cable enters the trans case? Checked fuses under the dash and under the hood, and a relay under the gauge pod that seemed to vibrate, to no avail. ???????

Any other ideas?

Tx Jim · Feb 13, 2015

:welcome:
I was looking through my M7040 WSM and saw this.I outlined the NSS in red but didn't find an actual location but it must close to hyd shuttle shifter mechanism

rbargeron · Feb 13, 2015

The Kubota parts diagram (access here ) shows a safety switch on the left side of the engine back near the clutch pedal linkage. There are other switches listed too - don't know how many have to be satisfied to enable the starter.

sixdogs · Feb 13, 2015

Just a dumb thought on my part but is the PTO engaged? That would prevent a start. My M8950 lever had to be 100% not engaged or I would have a problem.

Cherrypicker7 · Feb 13, 2015

sixdogs said:
Just a dumb thought on my part but is the PTO engaged? That would prevent a start. My M8950 lever had to be 100% not engaged or I would have a problem.

You may have just hit the nail on the head. I have a snowblower on the back, and after jumping the solenoid to get it running, I drove it around a bit and did notice the PTO was on. I shut if off, continued driving it for a bit longer, then pulled it back into the pole barn, shut if off, and it started 3x's . Was thinking possibly melted off snow or ice, and faulty contact has been temporarily fixed. But reading your post tonight, has me thinking that you are probably correct. We'll know in the morning.

Appreciate it, sometimes it is the simplest of things. Thanks. I will try to remember, sees like the PTO light on the dash was illuminated, should have known .