2520 getting into gear

[hemiguy]

On the older tractors (like the 755) getting off the seat did kill the PTO, which was fine, just not the engine. There was a switch setting to run it off the seat for PH diggers, chippers & such. Does anyone know of a way to rig a 2520 to keep the engine running off seat, but still have the PTO killed? It would be nice to easily put it back to original though if selling it or whatever.

 

[Deadman]

Don't know about the PTO, but to leiminate the seat safety switch its super easy, and easy to puty back on.

Take and unplug the wiring harnass underneath the seat. Then take a 2-3 inch long piece of bare copper wire and bend it into the shape of a horseshoe. Take and insert one end of the copper wire into each of the 2 connectors on the wiring harnass, besically creating a LOOP so it thinks the seat switch is there. Then wrap it up in electrical tape and you're DONE! Just remove the copper wire if you ever want the switch back!

 

[jdbower]

The whole "stopping the PTO" thing seemed worth getting used to popping it in neutral before standing up - I'd hate to somehow slip off the tractor with the mower deck still running. Note that the rear PTO will continue to run if you're in neutral and get off the seat on the 2520 (no switch, just the way it works) - this is necessary for some attachments like my chipper. Again, once I got used to it the action became second nature whenever I need a little more height or have to look behind me - and I've still got all my fingers and toes!

 

[drewmotz]

I used to have a 755 and didn't have to put it in N every time I got off the seat with it running, just set the parking brake. I suppose its a good safety feature on my 2520, but kind of a PITA. A couple times on the 2520 I've got on, released the parking brake, haven't touched the hydro pedals and just start rolling! Dummy me, I forget to put it back in gear! Like I said, to me still used to the 755 its a PITA.

Anyway, I've found that if on level ground, I just turn the steering a little to the left or right while shifting out of N and it moves things just enough to mesh the gears.

While others have suggested "rigging" the switch under the seat,... Wouldn't it be more to the point to find a way around the Neutral position safety? Is there a way of "rigging" the Neutral position switch? (Is there even a N-pos switch to rig? How does the tractor's electrical system "know" your in Neutral?)

Or is this a bad idea? (NOT SAFE?, or could damage something else if the tractor doesn't know its in N?)

My Wife and I have a 2520 on order... When test driving at a dealer last weekend, we noticed that you had to have the tractor in N to get off the seat, (we put the park-brake on as well, but I don't know if you have to do that too when in N). Anyway, when getting back on, we noticed that the park-brake wouldn't release until we put the tractor in gear. We thought this was odd, (and figured we didn't know how to release the break properly), but reading what Hemiguy said, maybe JD re-designed it that way to prevent the surprise rolling issue if not in gear..... Hmmm?

 

[VABlue]

I can live with the parking brake, although it would be nice not to have to deal with it. However, the seat switch has to go - it's on my list for vacation activities next week. I'm just too short to clearly see the front of the loader. And the darned loader mast brackets! Every time I lift them up to remove the loader I have to come out of the seat and down goes the engine... The switch is quite sensitive, all I need to do is rise up slightly. I hate that switch...

 

[Chris2520]

I can live with the parking brake, although it would be nice not to have to deal with it. However, the seat switch has to go - it's on my list for vacation activities next week. I'm just too short to clearly see the front of the loader. And the darned loader mast brackets! Every time I lift them up to remove the loader I have to come out of the seat and down goes the engine... The switch is quite sensitive, all I need to do is rise up slightly. I hate that switch...

I had the same problem with pallet forks. and i am 6.2 i still could not see good without lifting off the seat alittle to get lined up. so the seat switch had to go. just use a jumper wire with 2 spades and plug it in. dont forget to reconnect if you have dealer work done...

Chris....

 

[jdbower]

dont forget to reconnect if you have dealer work done...

For less experienced users I'd recommend reconnecting after you're done doing whatever it is that requires the bypass

A better idea if you must bypass the switch is to have a pushbutton or safety switch in parallel - this way as long as you're pushing a button on the dash you can get up but should you fall off the safety mechanism is still engaged. You can also probably use the same type of thing treadmills use, with a coil around your wrist or ankle so when you fall off the safety kicks in.

This isn't directed at you, Chris, since you seem to know what's at stake. I'd just hate to see someone new to tractors get hurt because he just heard that the safety is annoying so he bypassed it.

 

[tuolumne]

The push button idea is appealing...let us know if you rig something successfully. I think jumpering is better than a switch otherwise. If you don't have the seat switch you will get used to being extra alert to the PTO ect. If you have a manual switch, you would still depend on the seat switch and one time forget to turn it back on. The push button switch would take away this danger.

 

[jdbower]

If you don't have the seat switch you will get used to being extra alert to the PTO etc.

That's an interesting thought. I was thinking that having the seat jumpered was worse because it's hidden and if someone borrows the tractor you'd have all sorts of liability issues, but your reasoning is also valid. I was considering a big safety toggle switch (but a weatherproof version) that would make it easier to tell if it was engaged. Downside of the pushbutton is that unless it's foot activated you may have a tough time steering and using the loader at the same time, downside of the toggle is that you can leave it disengaged.

So far I haven't found the need (or even desire) to bypass the safety and since I mow with mine I'm a bit more aware of the benefits of the feature. Perhaps once I get some forks I'll change my tune and I'll be sure to post pictures if I do.

 

[VABlue]

The big problem I have with the switch is when I bounce up or adjust my position, the seat can rise enough to cut off the engine. I'm short and relatively light (5'5"/165) and have to reach for the go pedal a little, even with the seat moved all the way up. So the cutout switch is more of a hassle than it otherwise would be. Why are tractors made for excessively tall people?

The safety points are valid and I'll keep them in mind because I'm a complete rookie tractor owner. I do have ~100 hours on a friends JD utility and excavator, though...