CT230 Wont Start

[lnewcom]

First time post I really appreciate and read this forum. I am new to farm equipment and tractors but do have mechanical knowledge from working on cars when I was young. I have a CT 230 I purchased used with 640 hours on it last summer and have only put 30 on it.. It has been running fine and suddenly from one day to the next it was dead when I tried to start it. No click from the solenoid when you turn the key, no lights on the dash, just silence. Checked the battery and all connections I could think of and everything is good. Finally I tried jumping the starter and it worked fine, started and runs normally. I hooked up a wire to act as a by-pass and it works just fine. Touch the wires together and it starts and runs normally, including the seat and PTO cut off switches killing it normally. I am thinking it is the key switch. Along with this happening the key finally broke off in the switch. It's in that awkward place where the cheap soft key keeps getting bent when my knee hits it. I reached up into the dash area and after unscrewing the collar to release the switch I can't get it beyond the structures around it, so am guessing I have to take the cowling off to get it out.

Questions: 1) Do you think I am correct that the problem is the key switch or are there other things I should test. 2) Am I right I have to take the cowling off to get the switch out. 3) is there a better key switch available online (or from a Kioti), a keyless switch to get rid of the key, or should I replace it with the Bobcat part? 4) Am I limited to my Bobcat dealer to buy parts? I can't find an online source.

Question on tires. The front R4 tires are worn out and the Bobcat dealer is about $500 to replace them. (OUCH!!) Where and what kind of tires should I buy if I can save some money?

Thanks for your help. I appreciate your time to answer.

Lee

 

[tman1020]

Sorry about your trouble haven't had that problem with mine yet not as many hours however I did read something about the ignition switches on the early models being problematic I believe they have switched over to a better ignition switch if I'm not mistaken. also bobcat offers a smaller shaped key so you will be less likely to hit it with your knee. As far as tires go I believe the rear tires are made by Titan tires not sure about the fronts I believe Titan is made in USA so you should be able to find multiple distributors for it if the fronts are also Titan. Good luck.

 

[Skinnyman]

My Bobcat dealer has generally been very well priced on parts. I've found good deals on the internet, but by the time you pay shipping my local dealer has better pricing. Trick is have the part come in on their scheduled shipment. I am currently replacing my front tires with Trac Chief 25/8.5 x 14 at $139 each.