PTO not always turning on

[RalphVa]

This was happening a little bit on the JD 2025R when I had the bush hog on. Went to operate the MacKissic chipper/shredder today and the PTO was hard to make come on.

It did like with the bush hog. The implement would be jolted a tad (very faint). Then it was off. I'm pretty sure it's the PTO switch itself because I can jiggle it a bit, and the implement starts.

If this is it, how does one get to the PTO switch to replace it?

Thanks a bunch.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

No one with any answers?

I don't have a clue as to how to get at the PTO switch.

Maybe direct me to the web site to download the service or repair manual?

Ralph

 

[beenthere]

Deere dealer can get it for you, or online
John Deere Technical Service Manual - TM12719

 

[Thomas]

Have you try blowing air into on switch maybe dirt etc. cause from bush hogging.

 

[RalphVa]

Have you try blowing air into on switch maybe dirt etc. cause from bush hogging.

Cannot get to it close enough to blow air onto it. It's enclosed by the one piece cowling over that area. Looks like you can maybe lift the cowling if a couple bolts are removed at the bottom, but no clue in how to remove 2 or 3 things that would prevent it from being lifted.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Deere dealer can get it for you, or online
John Deere Technical Service Manual - TM12719

$150: a lot of money. Isn't there a PDF for a lot less?

Ralph

 

[gimmodog]

Cannot get to it close enough to blow air onto it. It's enclosed by the one piece cowling over that area. Looks like you can maybe lift the cowling if a couple bolts are removed at the bottom, but no clue in how to remove 2 or 3 things that would prevent it from being lifted.

Ralph

Looks like you will have to jump in and start taking things off to get at it. Take your time and be careful not to break anything. Look underneath and see if there are any wires that could be going to a solenoid that would engage a clutch, then test to see if it is getting voltage. My 4720 had enough fine dirt get into the housing to stop the solenoid from engaging. Only had to take the cover off and clean out.

 

[joecdeere]

Ralph, those yellow push-pull switches are famous for failing on the inside, they’re cheap so get two when you go. They snap through the plastic of the dash, but you have to reach the backside of it to squeeze the locks that hold it in, you might find yourself lucky enough that after undoing the plastic and moving it just a bit that you can get your hand up in there enough to get it free. Just a tip, but if you are able to get it loose and can pull the wires out a bit, get you a coat hanger to hook to the plug to keep it from disappearing behind the dash forever.

 

[RalphVa]

My wife and I looked at today after finding a video that shows a technician just popping the things out of the dash on another JD model.

The switch never failed on my 4010 (like a 2019E in today's nomenclature) in 9 years and lots of bush hog and chipper/shredder duty. It was exactly the same.

I'm getting down on JDs. About ready to trade this one for a Kubota. My 1025R in between was an absolute lemon. Traded it in for the 2025R with just less than 2 years on it.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Found a youtube video showing a technician removing a PTO switch. He showed where the tabs are (top and bottom where the lettering/symbols are). Looks as though one could slip some thin pieces of metal (or skinny scrapers/blades: maybe a couple single edged razor blades) between the switch and the cowling to push those tabs in. I'll give this a try. Really cannot get to the back side of the switch like it shows in the video. (I Googled "PTO clutch switch replacement on John Deere" in youtube).

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Ralph, those yellow push-pull switches are famous for failing on the inside, they’re cheap so get two when you go. They snap through the plastic of the dash, but you have to reach the backside of it to squeeze the locks that hold it in, you might find yourself lucky enough that after undoing the plastic and moving it just a bit that you can get your hand up in there enough to get it free. Just a tip, but if you are able to get it loose and can pull the wires out a bit, get you a coat hanger to hook to the plug to keep it from disappearing behind the dash forever.

So, you've replaced them? On the 2025R? How?

Ralph

 

[joecdeere]

no, I retired long before they came out, but they've used the same switch for about 15+ years and the dash design
is pretty close on all Deere CUT

 

[RalphVa]

Problem solved; I think. Testing, it's okay now. PTO engages positively.

Attached are pictures of the RIO switch that was the problem. Thanks to all who pointed me to it. The adjustment bolt attachment on it had been bent, and the switch bolts had to be loosened to go towards the rear of the tractor; the bolts on it were very tight; cannot figure how the switch got moved. In the pictures, the little lock nut on the adjustment bolt isn't back in place. I screwed it back in place after the pictures.

With the switch all the way towards the front, the PTO switch would maybe go on, maybe not. The switch is physically located towards the right side of the 4wd shaft, as its actuator is the reverse lever on the forward/reverse pedals.

Ralph