Engaging mid PTO

[BX_Scooter]

I've only had my BX2200 2 days and can't stay off the thing. Powerful little guy!

I'm wondering how hard it should be to engage the mid PTO? It's not that I have to put everything I have into pushing the lever, it just seems to move more difficult than anything else on the tractor. I'm of course being careful because it's new . . . I come to a stop using the HST, push on the brake, make sure the engine is about 3/4 throttle, lower the mower deck, and engage the PTO. (The PTO selector is on mid only)

Does this seem normal that it's very stiff to engage? Seems to push real hard at first, and then all of a sudden it's engaged. I haven't had a tractor with PTO to compare.

 

[kevinj]

Your PTO is fine but I think if you read the manual they say to throttle below 1/2 before engageing. I often set to about 1/4 to minimize shock to the driveline.

 

[BX_Scooter]

I just found that info in the manual as well. Now I'm going to take all the flack for not consulting my manual first. Ha!

I litterally read the manual front to back but it's amazing what you don't retain if you don't have a question in mind when reading.

Thanks

 

[JWE]

My PTO was hard to engage when I first got my BX. It was so hard to engage that I was concerned that I was going to bend something. I sprayed WD40 on all of the linkages and it resolved the problem for me. Mine engages very easily now.

John

 

[rmc]

Not sure if it is the correct way but I engage mine at idle.

 

[ges]

Me too...! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Hootie]

Mine was the same way when it was new. Lubing all the linkage will take care of the problem. Be sure to engage the PTO @ idle!

 

[BXMMCC]

Two things come to mind - to me, it makes sense to engage the PTO at idle speed so that the shock load is minimized - regardless of what the manual says. Second thing, today I was doing some work with the rake, and for some reason, decided to read the label below the right knob under the seat. It says something like if the PTO is hard to engage, move the PTO clutch lever, or something like that. It also told me how to shift into 4wd it that was stiff. Good luck.

 

[r0GuE]

HOLY COW!!!!

I have had my BX for 2 1/2 years and this is the first I've heard of engagin at idle...

I have always used the 3/4 rule. Everybody was leaning that way when I first heard the conversation....

Bummer...
I'll try it.

 

[sandyc]

I have always engaged and disengaged the mmm at the rpm I use for mowing. I am constantly crossing a gravel drive and or small hummocks that require that I shut off the mower. If I had to throttle down and then up each time it would be a real pain.....hopefully I haven't screwed up too much.....
Guess I will talk to the dealer tomorrow and get the real skinny!