MF 1428V shuts down engaging PTO

[SergeG]

This is a Massey compact tractor, regular transmission and single rear PTO shaft. I was mowing this morning when the engine shut down. After investigating I found that everything works just fine until I try engaging the PTO drive. I can pull the lever back about an inch or so and the engine shuts down. All the safety switches check out, no fuses are blown so thinking there must be a solenoid or other device that is tripped. I removed the mower and can easily turn the PTO shaft by hand. I can start the engine, operate the 3 point hitch up/down, drive around but can't engage the PTO without the engine shutdown. Any suggestions or advice?

 

[DMW]

Tried jumpering the seat safety switch? Depending on the type, seat foam can get too hard to depress, seat and seating position can affect engagement as well.

 

[SergeG]

Living in northern Alberta the seats get too hard for your a** to depress when it's below -20C or so. I removed that seat sensor and soldered the two wires together to solve that one. Besides if that were the case I wouldn't even be able to start the engine and I was able to operate normally except for the PTO. Still looking for help locally but the local dealer closed up shop on the very day my problem started! I must lead a negatively charmed life. Thanks got your reply however.

 

[DMW]

Well, I only see two other switches on parts book. One I would assume to be a neutral switch for starting, whether that is the one on the differential case I have no idea. Normally the top one is used on a lever selector. Should also ask if the PTO is a mechanical engagement or electric.

 

[SergeG]

The top one is on a lever and allows the engine to be started. The lower one is in the differential case and I didn't dare unscrew it. I think the PTO is engaged mechanically but now I'm sliding down the back side of the Dunning-Kruger curve. Thanks for looking the information up for me.