BX23 dead-man switch

Rimmer · Apr 8, 2004

I looked today, and my BX23 has two switches under the seat. Once detects weight in the seat, and the other detects whether the seat is unlatched so that it can be turned around for the BH. I assume the latter is to allow "unmanned" PTO use. (The procedure for using the PTO without an operator in the seat is to put the seat in the BH position.)

So, the next question is, what is the setup on the 15/18/2230, since they don't have a BH? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Junkman · Apr 8, 2004

( On my BX-23 if I ride over very uneven, bumpy terrain and I happen to bounce in the seat, the engine will cut out for a brief second. First time it happened, I thought to myself that I was having engine problems.
- Rob )

Rob..... I guess that you were not wearing your seatbelt and that accounts for your bouncing in the seat sufficiently to have raised enough to have the switch loose momentary contact. Personally, I think that this one feature is enough to cause the value of the BX22 machines to go up in value on the resale market. You don't have to disable a safety feature to use the machine without being inconvenienced by a safety feature shutting down the engine every time you take your butt out of the seat. I can see where that would be a real nuisance for me when I was working. Many times, I have to stand up to look forward to see if what I am trying to get into the bucket is properly centered or if I have to make an adjustment to where I am digging with the hoe. I believe in safety, but I don't think that every safety feature known to man can be incorporated into a machine that is intended to be a working machine. Sometimes, you have to allow the operator the ability to exercise some degree of common sense without stopping the engine every time his butt leaves the seat. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

SCB · Apr 9, 2004

Rimmer,
When I was going over all the safety features with the mechanic upon receiving my bx-23 last week, he said that the second switch for unmanned operation is set by tiltingthe seat all the way forward when the seat is in the driving position. I'll have to verify that, but that's what I was told.
Steve

SCB · Apr 9, 2004

Junkman,
you are right. I have noticed the cut out when not wearing my seatbelt, but it hasn't happened when wearing it.
Steve

riptides · Apr 9, 2004

The B7800 have the unmanned operations switch too.

For using 3-point splitters for logging operations was my salesmans quote.

I may find that needed in a few days, when I start cutting wood again.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RobMA · Apr 9, 2004

(
Rob..... I guess that you were not wearing your seatbelt and that accounts for your bouncing in the seat sufficiently to have raised enough to have the switch loose momentary contact. )

Nope, nearly always wear the seat belt. The cutout happens when I start bouncing in the seat when the tractor bounces. Not a big deal, only happened twice. Again, its only when the HST pedal is depressed and I'm not really comfortable standing up with the tractor in motion. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

- Rob

Phrede · Apr 10, 2004

Thanks rimmer,

My BX23 does work the way you described and the manual is incorrect. If running and HST pedal is depressed and the seat is empty the engine dies. If running and PTO is on and the seat is empty the engine dies.

This is much better than if it killed the engine if left in gear as the manual desciribes. It lets you leave the tractor with the engine running.

Contrary to what others have said I like this and it presents no nuisance to me. Why you ask? I once mowed over a ground hornets nest and was soon being attacked. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I left the tractor in a hurry without regard to shutting anything off. Had it not been for that tractors dead man switch it would have continued on (hand controlled, not spring returned, HST).

I have not found any occasion yet when this safety device has created an inconvenience. I weigh enough so that "seat bounce" is not an issue. I wish all safety devices and interlocks were so user friendly. My last tractor shut down the PTO in reverse. That was soon disabled.

Attached is a photo of the seat switches.

rosey · Apr 10, 2004

AMEN TO THAT JUNKMAN!!!!!!!!!!.........that's the state of the mentality of the decision makers in this country these days!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Rimmer · Apr 10, 2004

Steve --

The other BX tractors may work that way (probably do since they don't have a "lift and turn" seat like the BX23), but I don't believe the '23 has any way to sense that the seat is tilted. Take a look under your tractor's seat and you will see the "load" switch (black button) and the "lift" switch (white nylon lever).

I have experimented and found that the only way to operate the PTO "unmanned" is to follow the procedure in the manual exactly as written.

If you try lifting the seat and turning it around, then try to engage the PTO, the engine dies. But, if you sit on the seat, engage the PTO, then unlatch the seat and lift it (rising from the seat as you do so), the engine will continue to run. (When I do it this way the engine will "skip a beat," then continue running.)

Phrede · Apr 10, 2004

Rimmer,

I also experimented a little and agree with you if you have the mid PTO selected. If the rear one only is selected and the seat is lifted off its latch or facing rear (nylon lever is normal) then you can start the BX and engage the PTO no problem.

I did not try tipping the seat.

I believe this would solve any unmanned / stationary PTO issues since they would be on the rear PTO, right?