Troubles with brand new tractor... PLEASE help!

[camperbc]

Hi again everyone! I can't emphasize just how much I appreciate so many of you stepping up to the plate to help me out... I don't know what to say except thank-you so much. This is what makes these forums so great; that regular people are so willing to help other regular people at the drop of a hat. Well, my hat is off to each and every one of you!

Today my spinal issues had eased off a little, and I was finally able to get back up and about, if only for a short while. First, I went to the neighbor's house to borrow his battery charger, as I was almost certain it was a weak/dead battery. But after an hour of charging, still just a click. My heart sank. So I next grabbed the schematic that came with the tractor, and (knowing zip about electrical stuff) was somehow able to begin tracing the current from the battery back through to the starter, and everything in between. Well, I soon discovered that the plug (for lack of a better, more technical term!) on the backside of the PTO knob, was not pushed in completely/tightly; in fact was sitting out about 1/4" and quite wiggly. So I pushed the plug all the way back on, and it was then very firmly attached to the back of the knob connections. And I thought hmmm... and turned the key, and my spirits soared. It was music to my ears to hear that 24hp Kohler Courage V-Twin purring as quiet and smooth as can be! Amazing how something so small and simple could have possibly caused me so much grief since yesterday afternoon. In hindsight, I suppose that plug had never been pushed all the way into place at the factory, as it is now almost impossible to pull off again; so is not likely to happen again any time soon.

I stewed about this all last night, and even a good chunk of today, thinking the worst and wondering what I could do about it, especially with us being completely outside of any Sears service area. (we're on a small, very remote island, an hour-long ferry ride off another island) Unfortunately, this is the price one pays to live in such a beautiful and unique part of the world... everything's great until something breaks down, then you very quickly find yourself in a bind!

Anyhow, all's well and ends well, and I can't thank you all enough! I posted my problem on the three tractor forums that I regularly frequent, and in all three, folks jumped at the opportunity to help out. You have all lifted my spirits and renewed my faith in mankind, I kid you not!

So I will copy and paste this note into the other two forums as well, as everyone was so very helpful.

Many thanks again,

 

[EagleTDL]

As an aside, this won't the the last time something like this happens!

I had something very similar happen this weekend, was doing some spraying with the BX and shut it down to top off my drink mug (water, ya clowns :laughing and when I got back on it I didn't even get a click out of the starter?!?! Sure enough, as I frantically started troubleshooting, I had bumped the PTO Engage lever as I got off the tractor and it wouldn't let power flow to the starter...

I've got about 150 hours on my tractor, so it can happen any time, regardless of your skill level or how many hours you've got on the equipment. As they say, don't feel like the Lone Ranger! :thumbsup:

 

[trktrman]

Glad everything worked out for ya! Electronic switches can be a pain and new stuff has lots of them.

 

[chemteck29]

I figured it was something simple like that! Glad you got it running, great job!:thumbsup:

 

[hawkeye08]

Glad it worked out for you!

 

[Midniteoyl]

And, get a test meter.. :thumbsup:

 

[chemteck29]

And, get a test meter.. :thumbsup:

I would if I were you being way out there!

 

[BleedingOrange]

Glad to hear you got it going. What convinced you to move to an island like FOGO ?
I,m very curious. How big is the Island ? Do you live there all year round ?
You must be retired, I would presume. How many other people live there ?

 

[camperbc]

Glad to hear you got it going. What convinced you to move to an island like FOGO ?
I,m very curious. How big is the Island ? Do you live there all year round ?
You must be retired, I would presume. How many other people live there ?

Hi Guido455,

We have lived in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, but had always dreamed of owning an oceanfront home on the East Coast of Canada. One day we decided to just go for it, and have never had any regrets whatsoever. We can sit on our deck and see caribou foraging in our yard, watch dolphins leaping and humpback whales breaching in the bay directly in front of our house. We don't need to ever lock our doors, and no one ever removes the keys from their ignition. You see, there is no crime here at all; no pollution, no noise, no traffic, no gangs, ... and the pristine coastal scenery is truly spectacular! Summers are sunny and hot, with winters providing plenty of snow for snowmobilers and skiers, yet the winter temperatures are, surprisingly, milder than most of Canada.

Yes, I am retired, (due to suffering a permanent spinal injury at age 42) though my wife works full-time at the ultra-exclusive, newly-completed Fogo Island Inn. Fogo Island is Newfoundland's largest offshore island, at about 240 square kms. It is located a one hour ferry ride off the northeast coast of the province. There are about 2,500 permanent year-round residents, though the population rises dramatically in the busy summer tourist season.

To see just what it's like around our place, just go to my photography website. (see link in my signature below) Most of the images displayed in my site's galleries were taken either directly in front of our home, or mere steps from it.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Glen,
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. If I ever win the lottery, I would love to come and visit, and stay at the Fogo Island Inn. Thanks for sharing.