BX23 Not Starting Without PTO Selector In Rear PTO Position

daw53 · Apr 21, 2016

I just got my BX23 back from the dealer, who replaced the HST unit, and now I find that it will not start/crank unless the PTO selector lever is in the Rear PTO only position (all the way forward). This position does depress the switch under the tractor. What is really confusing me, is that I am most positive that I have not had to do this before. I checked the manual and it does not state that the PTO selector lever has to be in this position to start, although the PTO on/off lever does need to be in the off position.

I called the dealership and talked with the service tech that worked on it and he stated that he had to put it in the rear PTO position to get it to start as well.

So, my question is: "Am I losing it or can other BX23 owners start their tractors regardless of the position of the PTO selector lever?"

All of my online research seems to agree that the position of the PTO selector lever is not required to start the tractor. It appears that this switch is to allow the rear PTO to run without a person on the seat for things like log splitters and chippers. There is a procedure/sequence to utilize this feature.

The HST unit was replaced because it started to shudder or shake when I would started to move the tractor. The dealer said that I could continue to run it until it got really worse or would no longer work at all. I chose to go ahead and get it done so that it would be on my timing.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks - David

ultrarunner · Apr 21, 2016

My guess is a linkage got bent and is out of alignment.

Had it happen to me when I let someone use my BX... the levers are not all that strong if you apply brute force... there was debris wedge in the linkage and that is why it was forced.

Take a look with someone moving the lever.

JWR · Apr 22, 2016

Several quick comments: 1) Do NOT PASS GO, take this machine directly back to the dealer. No way it should have been given back to you in that status. If the dealer tech noted that problem when it was in his shop he should have fixed it !! 2) The tractor is not supposed to be enabled to start unless the PTO is in OFF position. There are no exceptions and no other cases.
You said "What is really confusing me, is that I am most positive that I have not had to do this before." I think that is because the dealer dorked it up while he had it no matter what the tech said. That's not a big deal really, and I would absolutely insist that they fix it. The only argument is whether it was that way coming into the shop or whether they accidentally left it that way.

These interconnects only apply to starting. You can get off all BX series tractors I've seen (2200, 2230, 2300, etc.) with the PTO running. I suppose there is a remote possibility that the BX23 being tailored to be a little backhoe MIGHT have different controls but I doubt it and that is beside the point in this case anyway. Certainly it was not designed to be started with the PTO ON. No way. The fact that you have seen the switch depressed when the PTO control is in the ON position for either PTO shaft means the linkage is not set right, whether it got bent during the HST work, some obstruction got into it, or whatever. Ultrarunner makes a great suggestion to have someone else move the lever while you watch the switch. That will provide insight. Unless it is something you can see is very simple and do-it-yourself you really should get it back to the dealer.