GT2542 PTO Doesn't Engage with Deck High

[bmooresbm]

GT2542 PTO Doesn\'t Engage with Deck High

I just purchased a new GT2542. It works great but when the deck is at 5 or 6 inches high the PTO doesn't engage, or at least it engages and the blades turn slow. When I lower it to 3 or 4 inches the blades spin up just fine. Is this just another safety feature or is there a problem with my tractor.

 

[OldMachinist]

Re: GT2542 PTO Doesn\'t Engage with Deck High

I'm not familiar with your exact deck design but with most decks as you raise them you get less tension on the spring loaded idler pulley. Some designs are adjustable so you can move the deck to get more spring tension. But unless your going to cut at this high of a setting all the time I wouldn't do it. It may apply too much tension at the lower settings and cause other problems.

 

[dqdave1]

Re: GT2542 PTO Doesn\'t Engage with Deck High

The deck should mow properly at any setting; that is why you have different settings; check idler pulley to make sure it is free and not binding or hitting something in high position.

 

[Rhoderman]

Re: GT2542 PTO Doesn\'t Engage with Deck High

I had the same on my 2042. It was the idler arm pivot point. With the deck down, the belt was tight. With the deck up, the belt was floppy unless I pushed the arm further over.
It isn't that great of a design in that the bolt holding it down has to be tight to stay, but loose to allow movement. Try loosening the pivot bolt a tad and greasing the snot out of the pivot point. Beware, the grease zerk is a press-in unit and will likely pop out when you pump the grease in. I cleaned mine and loctited it in place after it fell out. Haven't greased it since, so I don't know how well the loctite will do...
Hope this helps,
-Rhoderman