My PTO started acting up today. Seems like after using the PTO (belly mower) for a while and cutting it off it won't turn back on right away. Almost like it has to cool down or something. Usually only takes a minute or so before it will turn back on but I would like to fix it. Any ideas what could cause this?
PTO question
- Thread starter Cub5k
- Start date
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jnelson
Silver Member
At the risk of asking the obvious, have you checked to see that the system is filled with the correct fluid?
Has anything changed such as you recently changed the hydro fluid and/or filter? Have you been using the tractor through the winter and the problem has started with the warmer weather?
More details will help.
JN
Has anything changed such as you recently changed the hydro fluid and/or filter? Have you been using the tractor through the winter and the problem has started with the warmer weather?
More details will help.
JN
It's a model 5252. Actually this problem occurred a couple times last summer. I use the tractor all year round. I don't know much about the PTO clutches other than they're electrical look to be a bear to replace. This tractor does have the reverse over-ride switch. The PTO switch works perfect unless I have been using the PTO (mower) for an hour or so. Then it will turn off just fine but will not turn back on unless I wait about a minute or two. Sometimes lowering the throttle, engaging the PTO and then giving it full throttle will kick the PTO in. If it was a vacuum operated switch I would say its clogged but this is electrical. It is about 6 years old now so I guess I could be getting a bad ground or loose connection somewhere. Might have to just go connection by connection and clean and tighten as much as possible.
jnelson
Silver Member
From your reply it sounds that the PTO on your model is electrically engaged. That said, unless the engagement dogs are sticking and resisting movement then your problem must be in the electrical circuit or the engagement solenoid. I would think that there is a way to measure resistance through the energizing circuit and the solenoid itself to troubleshoot the system. While I don't know where you could find it, I think the procedure and values for testing could exist in a service manual for your model.
The starter solenoids on cars can sometimes break down internally and become sensitive to heat in which case it can become necessary to let it cool down before it will energize to start the engine. Perhaps yours is a similar situation.
JN
The starter solenoids on cars can sometimes break down internally and become sensitive to heat in which case it can become necessary to let it cool down before it will energize to start the engine. Perhaps yours is a similar situation.
JN
Bob_Bainbridge
Platinum Member
If the clutch coil was opening up from heat I would expect the PTO to disengage by itself while running. Since you say it only fails to turn back on after prolonged use, I would suspect some kind of mechanical problem such as binding or adjustments. I would check the clutch clearance at several points around the PTO. It may have excessive clearance and engage when cold but fail after running due to more drag when hot or reduced coil pull when hot.
Bob B.
Bob B.
jnelson
Silver Member
Bob,
I kind of agree with you except that I would guess that more energy (effort) is required to engage the unit than is required to hold it engaged. Is it possible that a weak solenoid can hold the PTO engaged while hot but not have enough to actually initiate engagement? Maybe someone with more practical experience can add to this line of thinking. Thankfully I can say that I have never had an issue with the PTO on my tractor.
JN
Bob_Bainbridge
Platinum Member
It definitely takes more power to engage than to hold the clutch engaged but I'm not sure what would cause a "weak" coil other than shorted windings or poor connections, ground or power, causing low voltage. Over the course of 28 years that I had my 1450 I had several occurances where the PTO would not engage initially but once I got it to engage it would work for hours. It was always either too great a clearance between the coil and armature or rusty and sticking armature. I adjusted it to .020' clearnace at 3 points radially and the problem would be solved for a few years.
Bob B.
jnelson
Silver Member
Bob,
You have had more experience than me and I appreciate the details you gave regarding the adjustment. I'll be squirreling that away as useful information in case I run into issues with my PTO someday. Thanks for that, I may owe you a beer someday! :licking:
JN
You have had more experience than me and I appreciate the details you gave regarding the adjustment. I'll be squirreling that away as useful information in case I run into issues with my PTO someday. Thanks for that, I may owe you a beer someday! :licking:
JN
Just got around to adjusting the clutch as you said and it works fine. Thanks!