jump start

ch1ch2 · Oct 24, 2015

I see lots of pages of where a xx tractor will not start. Turn key and nothing.

I was thinking (my first mistake) but, I could not think of a starter which does not have the pos battery going straight to it. I can not think of a starter that does not have a control circuit wire going to the starter.

Power to the control circuit allows the battery to spin the starter.

MY question is...are there any starters where this is not the case?

I posted this and then thought of a lawn mower. It on has one big wire going to it from a solenoid. Had to edit to add this.

I am thinking of tractors mainly.

Tx Jim · Oct 25, 2015

Some tractors built in the 60's and before were positive(+) ground instead of negative ground and had a manual starter switch instead an electric solenoid with the (S) terminal you referred to. Older Ford tractors had starter gear engaging flywheel from inertia of armature spinning IE starter only had battery cable attached no other wires.

Harry in Ky · Oct 25, 2015

For the most part, you're right. The basic principles you describe do indeed apply. Most tractor starters do have a battery positive cable and a signal wire from the starting/key switch circuit. At least with "modern" tractors. There are still a few older units, as Jim mentioned, but they aren't usually discussed in the "my tractor won't start" threads, except maybe for some older Fords with the isolated solenoids.
It is rather interesting that so many individuals don't seem to grasp this and make the simple tests first before condemning and replacing starters, batteries, cables, switches etc, then when all that fails, finally start asking questions. Go figure!