Mowing PTO won't start mower

[bbabineau]

I mowed last week and now the PTO won't start the mower. Any hints on where to start looking for the failure?

 

[ponytug]

I mowed last week and now the PTO won't start the mower. Any hints on where to start looking for the failure?

Dear Bob,

Sorry to hear about your issues.

Here are a few ideas;

1. Check to see if the switch moves the solenoid. Best done with the tractor off. You can often hear it click, or feel it move.
2. If it doesn't click, or move, check to see that there is voltage there.
3. If there is no voltage, check the switch on the dash for voltage. If you are not getting voltage through, you need a new switch.
   • If there is voltage at the solenoid, but the solenoid isn't moving, it may need cleaning. You can disassemble it and try to clean it, or just buy a new one. Sometimes, it is jut a bit of crud on the plunger. Sometimes it is rusted into immobility.
4. If you aren't getting voltage at the switch, check the fuses, then check the wiring.

It is super easy to strip the threads on the solenoid block, as it is made out of aluminum, so be gentle with it.

All the best, Peter

 

[MossRoad]

When you flip the PTO switch to on, does the engine speed change?

 

[bbabineau]

When you flip the PTO switch to on, does the engine speed change?

No speed change in engine.

 

[Lnk]

Are there any safety switches on a PT? Just curious, seat switch maybe.

 

[RalphVa]

When I saw this, I had visions of rope wrapped around the PTO at one end and rope around the end of the push mower's shaft at the other end, like we used to have years ago.

Maybe a reversing switch gone bad? Think some of them have such to shut off belly mowers if going in reverse.

Ralph

 

[MossRoad]

PowerTracs don't have safety switches. The only thing that I can think of is the engine won't start if the PTO switch is in the ON position. This doesn't appear to be the Poster's issue.

 

[MossRoad]

No speed change in engine.

OK. Then the PTO solenoid probably isn't engaging. As mentioned by Ponytug, you're going to have to do some electrical troubleshooting.

 

[agjones]

From my experience triple check the solenoid ground.

 

[bbabineau]

OK. Then the PTO solenoid probably isn't engaging. As mentioned by Ponytug, you're going to have to do some electrical troubleshooting.

Spent a few hours on the phone with the holy grail and went through all of the electrics which appear to be working as they should. Bottom line appears to be failure of the solenoid. Terry wanted me to remove it to test but I was unable to remove without major surgery. It appears to me that I must remove the fuel tank and lots of hoses to get to the solenoid - anyone have any other advice on how to get to what must be the problem?

 

[MossRoad]

What year and model is it and can you post a couple clear pictures of the solenoid location?

 

[marrt]

A low battery can cause this...even if the tractor is running.
Also, depending on the solenoid you have, it can rust or get particles inside causing it not to actuate. Remove the large nut on top, remove the "outer shell" and clean and reinstall.

 

[bbabineau]

A low battery can cause this...even if the tractor is running.
Also, depending on the solenoid you have, it can rust or get particles inside causing it not to actuate. Remove the large nut on top, remove the "outer shell" and clean and reinstall.

Good Diagnosis = I removed the solenoid and cleaned, reassembled and voila it worked like a charm. Thanks