BX1860 PTO delay when engaging

[winddance]

When I move my lever to engage the pto for the belly mower there is a delay of from 7-10 seconds before it engages. Is this normal? I don't remember it taking that long last year. Fluid is at a normal level.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Not sure about 7 to 10 seconds, but a few seconds is certainly normal. It is a hydraulically operated coupling, I believe, so there is some inherent variability on when, exactly, it feels like engaging.

Question: Are you engaging at idle? That is recommended.

Question part deux: At what RPM does your machine idle? If it is unusually low for some reason, that may have a sufficient impact on your available hydraulic pressure to affect the afore mentioned enagement of the PTO.

Just a few thoughts.

 

[leonz]

I would also add this to what Keith has said;


If your tractor is cold the oil is cold and with the oil being cold is thicker and it will affect all parts of the hydraulic system and its spool valves.

If you do not own a salamander to heat the tractor prior to use for ten minutes I would let it idle for 10 or 15 minutes prior to mowing to warm it all up.

please forgive my question below as I am not familiar with fluid powered PTO systems.


Is the mid point PTO the type that uses an electric switch-(normally open circuit) or a cable to engage a fluid clutch pressure plate PTO?

Either way its a good idea to heat the tractor up prior to mowing as it has to work harder at mowing or using any other hydraulic attachment.:thumbsup:

 

[KeithInSpace]

Is the mid point PTO the type that uses an electric switch-(normally open circuit) or a cable to engage a fluid clutch pressure plate PTO?

The BX uses a mechanical (lever operated) valve buried in the transmission to allow fluid to engage the PTO clutch. No switch or electric solenoid involved.

 

[winddance]

Thanks guys!
1) My manual says 1/2 throttle for shifting on the pto for the mower. But, I have tried full and idle with same results.
2) If it makes any difference when it is warmed up it is only about 1/2 to 1 second. Or, I might be counting faster since I have been mowing while.
3) Yes, I have a heater but I do not use it when the temp is over 40 degrees. I don't use the pto in the winter so I don't know if the delay is the same when it is +40 to -30.

How long is it taking other people who own a bx1860 for the belly mower pto to engage?

 

[radioman]

Since the BX uses a wet clutch type to engage the pto, When I engage my MMM mower, I ease it in. Normally I move the pto lever to about 1-2 fingers lengths away from fully engaged and hold it there. Within 2-5 secs the pto starts to spin and I am able to slide lever to full engagement. With this method, I am able to start PTO without lugging the tractor engine and no smoke.

 

[winddance]

I've never noticed any lugging or smoke with mine - At low or high rpms. Maybe they changed it to the longer engagement to alleviate that?

 

[TheRealBuzz]

Might want to check your fluid level. Not sure but if it's low it could be whats taking it longer to build up.

 

[cuoffroad]

2) If it makes any difference when it is warmed up it is only about 1/2 to 1 second. Or, I might be counting faster since I have been mowing while.

Are you starting the tractor after say, sitting overnight, and immediately trying to engage the mower? Pretty sure the manual says to let the tractor warm up for just about anything, loader operation, 3pt operation, mower, etc. I always let my BX1500 warm up for at least 10 minutes before starting any work. My mower engages in about a second. Never tried to engage it when the tractor is cold. :thumbdown:

I think letting it warm up is the key.

 

[Toyboy]

My BX 2230 is kinda slow on engagement, but I've just never given it a thought.....thought that was normal