LT1046 PTO Inop

[Redcon1]

LT 1046- Haven't started the tractor for 3 weeks (too dry to mow). Attempted start, battery appeared dead. Jumped from my car (per procedures in manual) and tractor fires right up... but PTO will not engage blades. Dashboard amp meter jumping wildly, also. I killed the engine when I hopped off the seat, so I tried the jump once more and same result-- PTO no worky. Then the engine died all on its own, so I called it a night.
Any ideas? 20amp fuse under the hood is fine.
Thanks, Dave

 

[art]

I know this may not be what you'd like but did you hook the cables up backwards? Where it was stored is it possible that mice might have chewed some wires?

 

[7254t]

Try to start the pto with jumper on to see if battery has a dead short.

 

[Redcon1]

Try to start the pto with jumper on to see if battery has a dead short.

Good idea... I'll try that this evening. Think I should pick up a battery on the way home just in case?

btw, I know the cables were hooked up correctly, and all the wiring I traced looked fine.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Battery could be shorted internaly as well. Disconnect it and then jump the tractor.

 

[Redcon1]

Replaced the battery and all is well.