New Member with a PTO problem, No Service manual except for you guys

[kraynky]

Just found this forum while searching for a solution to a problem that just cropped up on my John Deere LX255. I was mowing along just fine, when I needed to swap to the push mower for a steep ditch. I turned off the blades, idled down and turned the mower off. When I got back on it, the PTO switch just makes a "Click", like something was preventing the blades from turning. I shut it back down and cleaned all of the clippings and leaves from the deck and found a separated deck belt. Not yet broken in two. I replaced that, thinking it was causing a binding issue. Still won't engage PTO.

I checked the blades and they spin freely. The mower will still shut off if I get off the seat without engaging the parking brake. Is it possible for the PTO switch to just "go bad"? I don't have a manual for troubleshooting this issue, I just have the ole inter-weber-net, which is you guys. I hate to just start throwing parts at it. The mower is probably a 2000 year model or thereabouts, and I bought it used about 3 years ago, and it looked immaculate (then). The old fellow even kept it waxed. I only mow with it and blow the dust and debris off with my leaf blower after each use. But it's been trouble free up until now. Any ideas from anyone about what to check or replace next?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Mikel1]

Check the voltage going to the pto clutch.
There are some good videos for testing electric clutches including pto switch on youtube.

 

[Retiredcarguy]

The PTO clutch draws high current, so a weak battery or charging system may prevent its engagement. First check the basics: corroded or loose battery terminals, at and to the PTO and it's switch, corrosion in a cable, etc.. An old, weak battery can also be the cause. Do the simple, basics first before putting any new part in it.

 

[motoman]

This thread again exposes a weakness of this forum: lack of stickys for recurring problems... with due respect to the administrators it may be lack of confidence in their tech abilities to screen for the properly worded stickies. There are many competent personnel here to help....Anyway our experts have recently stated an expected PTO current of around 10 to 15 amps. To be measured (running I believe) with a DVM set up on DC current. Chime in if this can be restated in some manner and hope this helps. Assuming your PTO reflects this generic characteristic.

 

[KrashnKraka]

This thread again exposes a weakness of this forum: lack of stickys for recurring problems... with due respect to the administrators it may be lack of confidence in their tech abilities to screen for the properly worded stickies. There are many competent personnel here to help....Anyway our experts have recently stated an expected PTO current of around 10 to 15 amps. To be measured (running I believe) with a DVM set up on DC current. Chime in if this can be restated in some manner and hope this helps. Assuming your PTO reflects this generic characteristic.

I have read at least three threads on PTO topics in the
last hours. This after a three day break.
Maybe it takes building like a FAQ for "PTO", putting that as a "sticky"?
I aint sure all search the forums before posting, getting past that would
prove way more difficult, IME.

Another facet is the trend to mobile devices, I use one with great pain.
The free software available is functional yet blinding to many "full site"
features. The crowd who finance this site offer their mobile app for a fee.
I am sure I am not alone in refusing to buy Internet browsing software.

I understand these problems but charge for advice. It's my
"cottage industry":smile:


KK

 

[SeniorCitizen]

I respectfully disagree with stickies and the search function sucks.

If a poster uses one of those services and accidentally hits the topic, which is rare, he will more than likely be told by a member " why in hell you bringing that up here? That OP is 7 years old. You should have started a new thread ". Then he leaves never to be heard from again and I don't blame him.

I personally don't waste my valuable time with that crap. I don't have that much time remaining to screw with it.

 

[motoman]

Surprised to hear that the prospect of "sticky" is of doubtful value...?? Perhaps due to specific experience with other forums?? I have seen some forums which provide very good stickies for basic topics. Also, although tedious ,the search function here does help. Yes, you must be imaginative in the search words. But balancing the frustration and cost factors of tractor operation against, for instance, 10 minutes of searching, still seems worth while. There has been a ton of very good stuff presented here which is probably not readily accessible. And I am sure the pro's really get tired of repeatedly addressing the same problems. Maybe generic flow charts?

By the way IMO participation here will add several years to your life, just like fishing.:wink:

Edit: Yes FAQs might be good, but would require many .

 

[KrashnKraka]

I respectfully disagree with stickies and the search function sucks.

If a poster uses one of those services and accidentally hits the topic, which is rare, he will more than likely be told by a member " why in hell you bringing that up here? That OP is 7 years old. You should have started a new thread ". Then he leaves never to be heard from again and I don't blame him.

I personally don't waste my valuable time with that crap. I don't have that much time remaining to screw with it.

I find the LMF search engine functional SC, albeit it is a tool of last resort.
Stickies I have never looked into, and you are spot on with reaction to old
posts being regurgitated, seen it before, many a time.
It is just how it is, always has been.

KK

 

[KrashnKraka]

.......

By the way IMO participation here will add several years to your life, just like fishing.:wink:

Edit: Yes FAQs might be good, but would require many .

Oh gawwwd no (hands over eyes) I wasn't advocating building FAQ's traditional like.
Those things usually end as editorial platforms fir blohards!
No, never having looked into "stickys" maybe I should have before opening my yap.
I was thinking they were like a "hot trending topic" type of banner thing, sorry.

.... as an FYI?
"Plastics" get more action in fishing...more expensive then hard baits they keep your
engine humming along in plenty of rod action :grin:

KK