John Deere X540 Repairs

[do-it]

This is the start of the 3rd season since I purchased my X540 and untill today it has been trouble free. Today while mowing the mower deck suddenly stopped working(the mower was in motion at time)for no apparent reason. Belts seem to all be Ok, but the mower engagement switch seems to have a different feel to it when pulling to engage. Can anyone suggest what the problem may be? I have been searching the net for a repair manual but have had no sucess. Any suggestions here?
It would not surprise me if it was the mower engagement switch considering the # of times that it has to be used during a normal mowing (reverse etc) although I am a bit confused why this would happen while in foward mowing mode. Does anyone know how to disable the reverse/mower disengage feature on this model?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CharlieS]

I'm not familiar with the deere's, but have experienced a similar problem on another mower brand.
First i would check to see if there are any fuses inline that could have blown, but I suspect you are right the problem lies within the pto (electric clutch) switch and should easily be tested with a test light or voltmeter. You should be able to test at the switch or pto under the mower (of course with the mower shut off but ignition switch in the on position) detach the wire connected to the pto and with the pto switch in the on position, a test light should light up.
Another possibility is the clutch has gone bad. this can be tested by taking direct battery power to the power terminal on the clutch, again with the switch wire disconnected. In either case, with the mower not running you should hear a definate click as the clutch engages.
Also remember that with all the safety features on mowers today, you'll probably have to have some weight in the seat to close the dismount safety switch if so equipped.