BX 23 cuts off everytime I get off seat

[Eldo Nixon]

My BX 23 kills the engine every time I get off the seat every time I get up--regardless of the PTO engagement and transmission. Sometimes it takes 10-15 seconds, but usually every time. It just started--I've got about 750 hours. When I was mowing yesterday it started when I'd get up to move this kids toys, lawn furniture, etc. I would disengage pto and leave in gear and sometimes it would die, others times it would not. Sometimes it would run for 20 seconds before it killed it, other times immediately as I got off the seat. Finished mowing and it progressed to dieing immediately when off the seat. Fine. I figured it was the HST pedal as it often creeps, and maybe it thought it was moving and I was off the seat. As I was trying to reattach the loader, it would die unless the seat switch wan engaged even if the tractor was in neutral--and yes pto was disengaged. Makes putting on the loader on a PIA.

So, where do I start looking and how do I test it. Figured it might be the PTO engagement switch, but where is it? I have just enough aptitude to make myself dangerous.

Thanks,

 

[Dingo1]

Try putting the brake on.

 

[Eldo Nixon]

The brake being on does not affect, but thanks. As I remember it is supposed to cut off when pto is engaged or the tractor is in motion and no one is on seat. Of course I can't find the manual. But I have been hopping off the tractor while running in gear for years and it only would die if the I'd forgotten to disengage the pto before.

Thanks

 

[Artisan]

Re-Read all instructions regarding using the PTO and getting
on and off the tractor. It maybe something silly. I ahte it
when that happens! Look at the PTO lever as well. Are
you hitting the PTO lever w/ your butt getting in and out?

Look at your switches under the seat,
clean, blow them clean maybe. Maybe disconnect them
and see if problems go away, THEN BUY NEW.

 

[magicheater]

Some switches have an adjustment on them. Check for that. Just look where the operating levers move and notice the switch that comes into play. Disconnecting the wires, reading with an Ohmmeter both in the open and closed position will tell you if the switch is at fault. Vibration or dirt in the mechanical part could cause the switch to open if not properly adjusted. Personally I choose to bypass the seat switch because I like to stand up at times when operating my tractor. A tractor is only as safe as the operator! OSHA came in to make it idiot proof but hasn't yet succeeded. Some of the safety features implemented are good ideas. Others are just a PITA.

 

[94BULLITT]

It may not be the seat switch. It could be the brake switch. Have you tried flipping the seat forward and seeing if it will run?

 

[nrbsr]

I was having this problem with my BX24, also failed to start unless I jammed the pto lever back. I finally pulled the tire and adjusted the switch (which was loose), I still occasionally have a problem as it seems the switch doesn't depress enough. A bungee cord on the pto lever gives me enough pressure on the switch when needed.

 

[radioman]

it certainly sounds like one of the safety switches is kicking in. It sounds like either HST or PTO switch. I copied this from messicks website:
Test 1: Switch for the accelerator

Make sure that gear shift is in “Neutral”.
Press down on accelerator.
Turn key to “Start”.
Engine should not crank. If it does, have your tractor serviced.
Test 2 : Switch for the PTO clutch lever

Make sure that gear shift is in “Neutral”.
Make sure that accelerator is not engaged.
Engage PTO clutch.
Turn key to “Start”.
Engine should not crank. If it does, have your tractor serviced.
Test 3: Switches for the operator's seat and accelerator

Make sure that gear shift is in “Neutral”.
Start engine.
Press down on accelerator.
Stand up without getting off of tractor.
Engine should turn off. If it does not, have your tractor serviced.

 

[LD1]

Definataly a saftey switch, but most likely NOT the seat switch. It is clearly doing its job and killing the tractor cause it thinks one of the other switches isnt in the position it needs to be in.

So that pretty much leaves the HST and PTO switches. Easy way to pinpoint which one:

As another poster mentioned, try flipping up the seat. Because on most kubotas, you can engage the PTO, get off the seat and flip it up within a second or two, and it will continue to run. This feature is for using things like a post hole digger or PTO powered logsplitter.

So, if by flipping up the seat solves the problem, then you know the PTO switch is bad. If flipping up the seat makes no difference, it either means the HST switch is bad (most likely) or that your tractor doesnt have this feature (check you manual or an online manual).

 

[CHDinCT]

I'm not familiar with the BX23, but on my BX25, to get the REAR PTO to run when you're off the seat, you have to pop the seat up into the swivel position (for BH use). You don't actually have to swivel it, but just pop it up. On the non-BH BX's, you flip the seat up to use the rear PTO when not in the seat. I don't know if the mid PTO will turn with the seat up or not, but the rear will.