26 Max XLT PTO operation

Ben in VA · Oct 10, 2019

Need a favor from the "MAX" owners out there....

Does anyone know if it is normal that the mid pto and rear pto can not be operated at the same time? I have been wanting to get a pto driven leaf collector for my Max 26XLT and when I try to engage the rear pto (to drive bagger) and the mid pto (to cut grass and leaves) at the same time, the tractor shuts off. It seems as if there is a safety switch not lettin gthis happen, as if you have left the seat with the PTO running (this safety does not work on my tractor's mid pto, by the way). My dealer says it is normal, but I just can't accept that Mahindra would have created a system that won't let you do such a task. My old Cub Cadet was capable of this and I see pictures on bagger web sites that show their equipment being driven by Kubota BX series and JD 1 and 2 series tractors. Would a few of you Max owners mind trying this for me? Engage MID PTO and REAR PTO at the same time....what happens?

Thanks in advance!

Browneyesvictim · Oct 10, 2019

Works for me, but I have the 25.

sspenst · Oct 10, 2019

Sort of related... i know my 3016 gear had two levers. one was 540 and other the mid pto(i had it installed from new) and you could operate both at the same time. i never had anything for the mid pto but i had it......
on my 2638 HST i discovered the other day while i was checking what the splines are on my mid pto (1" with 15t Splines if anyone needs to know.) i played with the PTO lever. my dealer said they were not quite sure how it operated on this new 2638 (not really something most ppl get LOL) but anyway, the label says "ON and OFF". what i found was that if you bump the lever a bit it seems there is a "middle position". and in that position both the 540 and 2000 spin!. oddly enough the "OFF" Position the 2000 spins but not the 540. "ON" only the 540 spins... weird i think... maybe it only does that because the mid pto is installed?? no idea. the owners manual doesn't cover it...... the 2638 technically has a 3 step process to run the pto... put mechanical lever in position, turn switch on dash to manual mode or auto mode then push red button just above that to activate the PTO. maybe there is a similar process on the max26 xlt... i think its similar to my 3016 i had.
hope it helps?:confused3:

EDIT: lol just looked in my 2638 manual again ..... LOL missed it.
it says " The Rear PTO and MID PTO can be operated together or separately by a lever".

Ben in VA · Oct 11, 2019

EDIT: lol just looked in my 2638 manual again ..... LOL missed it.
it says " The Rear PTO and MID PTO can be operated together or separately by a lever".[/QUOTE]

Thanks. That does help. I think my dealer may have connected a switch incorrectly when installing the mid pto kit. My biggest clue is that when the mid pto is engaged and you get off the seat, the engines keeps running and the blades keep spinning. Yet, when both ptos are engaged and the clutch is released, the engine shuts off. I'm going to pick it up today and will discuss and check others on the lot that may have had the mid pto installed at the factory. If they can't figure it out, I'll lean on my engineering degree (and time spent turning wrenches in an equipment dealership) and fix it myself.

More to come.

VIEWQUEST · Oct 11, 2019

Page 28 of the manual states that the rear and mid pto shafts can be operated at the same time.

Ben in VA · Oct 13, 2019

Problem solved. The seat safety switch connector and the rear pto safety switch connector have the same color wires and had been plugged in incorrectly at the factory. All working correctly now. Thanks for the input guys.... knew u wasn稚 going crazy.

Ben in VA · Oct 18, 2019

Interesting response I got back from Mahindra USA today (10/18/2019) when I offered to help them with a potential safety issue yesterday (10/17/2019).

Mahindra email following the initial "contact us" inquiry from me:

Sir.
Thank you for contacting Mahindra Ag.
Please accept our apologies for any issues you have experienced.
The seat switch is designed to shut the tractor off.
It appears yours is operating incorrectly.
We are very sorry your selling dealer was not able to assist.
We will review current production models
Below is a list of other dealership in your area.

Note..... the closest "alternative dealer" is 82 miles away....

My response today (10/18/2019):
Thank you for getting back to me. My dealer was not helpful, true. But to take it to another dealer is just not practical due to the distance I would need to transport it. I used my engineering degree and farm equipment service background to fix it myself. I'm glad to tell you how to fix it with little expense if you would like. This is a safety issue that violates the applicable standard (I assume ANSI/OPEI B71.1, or similar) and could cause severe injury if not addressed. Because the issue is with the wire harness, not assembly, I have to assume that my tractor is not the only one that is affected. I don't want anyone to be injured or for Mahindra to get sued over this. Please put me in touch with someone in Engineering that can provide me with a wiring diagram and that can have a discussion with me about it.

Thanks again for your cooperation,

The response today (10/18/2019) from Mahindra:
Goodmorning,
Unfortunately, We have no one at Mahindra that could speak to you about this issue. You would have to contact one of the dealer I provided you with.
Thanks again

hmmmmm. OK. I tried to help. I hope no one ever gets a foot cut off by this "safety violation". If, heaven forbid, that does happen and you find this chain, I'll be glad to give you my emails!

Mahindra.... not very good customer service or interest in being proactive today, guys! The lawyers won't care if you stick your head in the sand......