Operating a PTO Driven Chipper on a MF Solo

[1715Ben]

I researched my question on this site and didn't necessary find the resolution in the threads I found. This, I am certain, is a common question. How does one run a chipper driven by a PTO without having to have the seat occupied? I tried a couple didn't ways to engage the PTO this weekend, but each time the tractor shut off as soon as my weight was off the seat. Ultimately I had someone else toss a few limbs in the chipper, but I can't always guarantee having a helper available.

I have a new Wallenstein BX52s and a 1715 combo, which worked like a charm with its brand new knives. It processed 4-5" hemlock limbs with ease (I'd normally burn those in my fire pit, but I needed some wood chips to keep the dogs feet from getting muddy in their outdoor area).

Anyhow, what's the trick to keeping the tractor running while feeding the chipper?

 

[KennyG]

Sorry that I haven't run an MF, but on "most" tractors, if you set the parking brake, put it in neutral and engage the PTO before getting off the seat, it will continue to run. Did you try that?

Alternatively, did you read the owners manual. :laughing:

 

[DMW]

*ducks before the safety police arrive* jumper the seat switch.

 

[1715Ben]

Sorry that I haven't run an MF, but on "most" tractors, if you set the parking brake, put it in neutral and engage the PTO before getting off the seat, it will continue to run. Did you try that?

Alternatively, did you read the owners manual. :laughing:

LOL. I actually planned to read the owner's manual but real life got in the way. I did check online to see if MF had an online manual like many manufacturers do, but couldn't find it. I *think* I set the parking brake, but it was muddy and I may have subconsciously kept my foot on the brake with enough force that it didn't engage the parking brake. I'll try it again with the brake set. Thanks.

 

[1715Ben]

*ducks before the safety police arrive* jumper the seat switch.

Hahaha. That's Plan B.

I don't necessarily object to the safety seat concept. I had an older John Deere (60's vintage) some time ago and it was quite possible to walk up to the tractor with the mower engaged and if someone was not paying attention I could see how they could get an unplanned pedicure or worse.

 

[oosik]

Ben - I've seen this same ? asked on another thread. I don't remember if there was ever a "satisfactory" answer. I think the temporary answer was something like a 40# bag of dog food - in the seat. Manufacturers can't be so completely stupid as to have overlooked this point.

They should all have a system that will allow "normal" operations. I get my tractor set - the chipper( Wally BX92S ) set - slowly engage the PTO and bring it up to speed - stand up - the buzzer will buzz for about ten seconds and that's it. By the time I've dismounted and come around and picked up the first tree - the buzzer has long since quit.

There MUST be some magic combination of button pushes/lever twitches, etc that will shut the buzzer down.

I NEVER use the park break. Too easy to forget and drive off with it still set.

 

[DMW]

A big complaint on the early GC2300 was the seat foam would freeze, not allowing the seat switch to work. Really hard to use a snowblower. Had to jumper it to clear snow, also worked well for the chipper.

 

[LouNY]

Ben - I've seen this same ? asked on another thread. I don't remember if there was ever a "satisfactory" answer. I think the temporary answer was something like a 40# bag of dog food - in the seat. Manufacturers can't be so completely stupid as to have overlooked this point.

They should all have a system that will allow "normal" operations. I get my tractor set - the chipper( Wally BX92S ) set - slowly engage the PTO and bring it up to speed - stand up - the buzzer will buzz for about ten seconds and that's it. By the time I've dismounted and come around and picked up the first tree - the buzzer has long since quit.

There MUST be some magic combination of button pushes/lever twitches, etc that will shut the buzzer down.

I NEVER use the park break. Too easy to forget and drive off with it still set.

I was surprised several years ago when we got the Puma 125 at the farm, it has the full power shift and shuttle with a parking brake,

not a park position like the older Magnums and it was quite easy to start off with the parking brake engaged with the Puma

and the newer New Holland, both of these what I would consider upper level tractors, but my Branson 8050 with the power shuttle

if the parking brake is applied and the shuttle lever engaged it just sits and beeps at you, comes in handy at times.

As far as the OP I would certainly hope that they provided a way to run the pto without an operator in the seat.

 

[4get gto]

Only thing worst than a seat safety switch is back up safety shut offs on garden tractors...!

 

[Gofast]

I have not tried this but I bet you could use a ratchet strap to hold down the seat.
Then it would be quick to enable the safety switch when you are done.