LT1045 PTO Dropping Out

IAM4WVU · May 14, 2014

My 2007 Cub Cadet LT1045 has a new battery. Last week the PTO started dropping out. The problem is very intermittent. May happen on a small incline or going down a small slope. It may work okay for 20 minutes and then fail 3 times in 5 minutes. Did notice that the blades stayed engaged once when I was in reverse?!#%. Not sure what to make of that. Only has 125 hours on the tractor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

rcbe · May 15, 2014

Gotta start with a know baseline. Get the battery LOAD tested even tho its new. While the battery is out, take apart and clean with sandpaper to bright metal each elect connection point in the charging circuit, including wire to chassis points. Look under frame and closely check wiring going to PTO clutch itself for any signs of damage/loose in connector. Repair/replace/splice any bad spots. Re-install known good battery and retest.
If problem still happens, look next for problems at ignition switch rear connection . First disconnect batt neg post, then pull ign connector. chk for corrosion, burnt spots, etc. repair/replace as needed.

Hill Billy Bob · May 15, 2014

Read the thread titled LT1050 PTO dropping out. I believe you will find your fix to be the same...Hill Billy Bob

IAM4WVU · May 29, 2014

PTO problem has been resolved. Found a broken wire underneath that was laying close to the frame. It had come out of its female connector. Installed new connector and slid back on its male connector; which was on the back right side of the tractor. Specifically, it was straight in from the right rear wheel and near the top of the hydrostatic transmission. After making repairs, it was tested thoroughly and is fixed. One tale-tale PTO problem not mentioned before is that PTO remained engaged even in "Reverse", which is not supposed to happen. After the repair was made, PTO disengaged like it was supposed to when backing up. On a side note, I used a tractor lift to make this repair. It was $80 after a 20% coupon at Harbor Freight and worked very well. Plus, only took 10-15 minutes to assemble. Will lift front or rear.

rcbe · May 30, 2014

IAM4WVU said:
PTO problem has been resolved. Found a broken wire underneath that was laying close to the frame. It had come out of its female connector. Installed new connector and slid back on its male connector; which was on the back right side of the tractor. Specifically, it was straight in from the right rear wheel and near the top of the hydrostatic transmission. After making repairs, it was tested thoroughly and is fixed. One tale-tale PTO problem not mentioned before is that PTO remained engaged even in "Reverse", which is not supposed to happen. After the repair was made, PTO disengaged like it was supposed to when backing up. On a side note, I used a tractor lift to make this repair. It was $80 after a 20% coupon at Harbor Freight and worked very well. Plus, only took 10-15 minutes to assemble. Will lift front or rear.

fix feedback much appreciated, particularly the tip about the "reverse" thing....

Hill Billy Bob · May 30, 2014

Just wondering if you took a look at the thread on the LT1050 PTO dropping out...your problem/fix turned out to be the same, as I suggested it might. I went through the same thing with my 1050 years ago...drove me almost nuts. Mower is now over 9 years old.... 920 hours on the clock, will hit 1000 hrs by end of this season....still going strong....Hill Billy Bob