Here's the 411:
Shop found the starter was bad. Also replaced a recall on the HST pedal rod. Here is a breakdown of starter issues on this model according to chatgpt:
You said:
how can a tractors starter already be bad after only 25 hours of use?
ChatGPT said:
A tractor starter failing after only 25 hours of use is definitely unusual, but it
can happen—here are some of the most likely reasons:
1. Manufacturing Defect
Even brand-new parts can be bad from the factory:
- Poor soldering or internal connection.
- Weak brushes or bad armature.
- Cheap materials (especially in off-brand or budget models).
2. Electrical System Issues
If the starter is being
overworked or underfed:
- Weak battery or low voltage can cause excessive strain.
- Bad ground or corroded cables lead to poor current delivery.
- A faulty solenoid or starter relay can cause improper function or arcing.
3. Frequent Short Starts
If the tractor is started often for short runs, or cranked excessively (e.g., hard starting due to fuel or ignition problems), that will wear a starter fast—especially if it’s a gear-reduction type with small internals.
4. Heat or Moisture Damage
- Starters mounted near the exhaust can overheat.
- Exposure to water/mud (common in compact or utility tractors) can corrode internal parts if not sealed well.
5. Misdiagnosis
The
starter might not even be the problem. Symptoms like a click or no start could actually come from:
- Bad battery
- Poor connections
- Faulty ignition switch
- Bad safety switches (seat, PTO, brake, etc.)
What to Do
- Check voltage at the starter during crank.
- Inspect cables, terminals, and grounds.
- Verify battery condition (load test or multimeter under load).
- If confirmed bad, check warranty—most new tractors should cover this kind of failure.
If you let me know your tractor make/model, I can check for common starter complaints or technical bulletins.
You said:
No it was the starter, and it has been replaced. It is an LS MT242 HE
ChatGPT said:
Thanks — that helps clarify it.
If the starter on your
LS MT242HE failed after only 25 hours and was confirmed bad and replaced, here's a breakdown of what most likely happened, based on known factors about that model:
Common Explanations for Early Starter Failure on an LS MT242HE:
1. Defective OEM Part
- LS tractors (including the MT2 series) source starters from third-party suppliers, often Doosan or a Korean/Japanese brand.
- Occasionally, a bad batch of starters slips through quality control — internal short, weak solenoid, bad brush alignment, etc.
- Other LS owners have reported early failures on electrical components (including starters and sensors), though it's not widespread.
2. Solenoid Burnout or Engagement Issues
- These tractors use an inline solenoid mounted directly on the starter. If the solenoid sticks, it can cause:
- Over-cranking
- Arcing
- Premature motor burnout
3. Starter Engagement Misalignment
- If the flywheel ring gear and starter pinion aren’t perfectly aligned (rare, but possible from factory assembly), it can wear out the pinion or damage the motor trying to engage.
4. Vibration or Mounting Problem
- LS tractors do vibrate more than higher-end compacts (like Kubota or Deere). If the starter wasn’t firmly torqued or properly shimmed, it could shift slightly, causing internal strain or contact issues.
Should You Be Worried?
Not necessarily. This is likely a
rare one-off failure. If:
- The replacement starter is working fine
- No unusual electrical symptoms persist (hard starts, slow crank, click/no start)
...then you're probably in the clear.
