Foton Tractor 254 - What is the "Safe Start Switch"?

[D0TC0M]

I'm trying to clean up the mess in the wiring where the previous owner bypassed the safe start switch. I'm thinking it could be important. What is its purpose and how does it work?

 

[doxford jim]

Do you have a wiring diagram for the tractor? Is your tractor a geared tractor or shuttle shift type? A couple of switches I can think of are:
1) Safety switch under the tractor seat - if you are not sitting down, thw switch cuts out the engine when running. To start you have to be seated.
2) If a geared tractor there will probably be a clutch switch - these are often out of adjustment. To start the engine you need to have the clutch pedal depressed (so it won't start in gear - much like a car) or the engine won't start.
3) If some sort of shuttle, there maybe a switch involved with that - don't know as I have never used one.
Any of these switches can be jumped or bypassed to get the engine running.
are any of these likely candidates ?
HTH

 

[D0TC0M]

yes I have the wiring diagram and there is a series contact in the circuit that prevent the engagement of the starter. It doesn't show what operates the contact in the schematic that I have.

If I were to take a guess I would think that #2 is the most likely the case because its a geared tractor and it has a shuttle shift and I'm sure it has something to do with the clutch having to be pressed to start so that a kid couldn't just turn the key and start is in gear. I'll follow the wires back tomorrow and check for sure.

 

[doxford jim]

The clutch safety switch is a common non start fault. If you have a multi meter, the switch can easily be checked for proper function. If you have the switch it might just need to be adjusted - I have had to adjust mine twice in seven years or so. The switch would need to be closed to pass voltage along to the starter, so a "get you out of trouble" move would be to twist the two switch wires together. That would allow you to confirm operation - still need to have a proper switch installed though.

 

[D0TC0M]

The previous owner butchered the wiring, They installed a 1 wire delco SI alternator and had a real hard time getting things to work. They cut and bypassed so many things needlessly it wasn't funny, I'm just trying to bring it back to stock.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Most likely the clutch switch.

 

[Wa11banger]

The previous owner of mine did much the same to my 404.. There is a wiring harness at the frame just inside the left wheel well where they removed the safe start clutch switch and just built a jumpwire to close it off. I tested the theory of it being that device by removing the jumper and I cannot start the tractor. +1 on the clutch switch

 

[studor]

I would bet on the clutch safety as well -- it is connected with a two wire trailer plug so most times the switch connector is just cut off and the two wires connected together. As Jim said the switch is often out of adjustment or so badly aligned that pressing in the clutch mashes the innards of the switch!! First indication that the switch is a problem is the 30 amp fuse pops when you try to start it. Worth fixing from a safety point of view but you should always be in the seat with the tractor in neutral when you start it anyway

 

[D0TC0M]

yes it is the clutch switch , its a switch on the clutch pedal that closes when the clutch pedal is pressed