Mowing Bad PTO switch

[twhedbee]

I have a JD 445 tractor with a 60" mid-mount mower deck and 4-wheel steering. I can't remember the year off hand, but I think I am in the higher serial numbers. Lately, the PTO just cuts out randomly. It seems to be the PTO knob/switch; if I hold the knob up, I can mow uninterrupted. I have jury-rigged a small bungee cord to the steering column to keep it up.

I have a couple of questions: What do I need to replace? Is it a mechanical or an electric switch. And finally, what's the easiest way to get to it?

Thanks for any help!

 

[cottermac]

Does your tractor have the RIO (reverse implement option) on it? If it does and it is bypassed I would check that first. Before replacing the Pto switch.

 

[twhedbee]

I don't think so, but I hate to admit I really don't know!

 

[cottermac]

One way to tell is by the PTO switch, I will show a little picture on it. If my memory servers me right.

 

[beenthere]

What is the serial number (XX out the last three digits) ?

All 445's have the RIO switch.

Also, check on another thread that discusses a similar (or same) problem in the last couple days.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2868666#post2868666

:welcome: to the forum.

 

[twhedbee]

I'm not even sure what the RIO is. If it's the safety switch that cuts off PTO when in reverse (or allows me to override by pulling up the knob), then I have it. I don't know where the physical switch is, though, and would appreciate any help.

 

[beenthere]

You can locate the physical switch easily once the mower deck is off (otherwise would need a mirror to see it).
Find it by looking up under the frame and moving the reverse pedal to see what the linkage is doing and opening the switch (on the 445 there is a two-wire connector near that switch). To disable the switch, just put a jumper wire in the connector so it thinks the switch is always closed. On the X series, the connector was removed and just need to slide the switch lever out of the way of the linkage to the reverse pedal.
Now these instructions are only to test the switch....

And my wife would say, "while you are there, dust it"

 

[twhedbee]

Many thanks, bt. I understand that your instructions are purely for test purposes.

I'll get under there tonight and try to find the darn thing. Is it something that could just need adjustment?

And I'll do the dusting too.

 

[beenthere]

The only "adjustment" I do is take it out of the equation. I'm in "full test" mode all the time, so to speak.

You will see how it works and can decide on the adjustment it might need. Main thing is to learn if it is what is causing you problems (or not).

 

[twhedbee]

I'll let you know my progress. Thnx!