LS Tractor Won't Start After Hooking Up Bush Hog

[N7HEVN]

Am late to the party, but sharing an experience I've had with an old car, that is relatable and others have commented about the 'clicking' issue when trying to start a vehicle.
My old car, the headers are very close to the Starter small solenoid, and caused it to get super hot. I actually found at one time long-ago, the headers actually melted some of the solenoid off...
So, when out for a drive, especially in the summer time, that small solenoid would get virtually fried from all that heat coming off the header. If I pulled into get some gas, or something where it would be a quick turn around of time, the car would not start, I'd either get no response, or the 'clicking'. I had to wait for the solenoid to get cooled down enough, to get the car started again.
So, in that scenario, 90% of the time you hear the clicking noise, but the engine won't turnover, I've found that it's a Starter mechanical part, which needs to be replaced.
Good luck in working with your dealer, that's really crappy that you're dealing with a 22 Hour tractor and one-year age, to be having that problem! I've had an acquaintance tell me to get an LS, but this isn't good information to hear...

 

[GS650GL]

Relax, you can have a problem with any brand whether it's new or not.

Call service manager, explain situation. They may just give you a starter if they believe you're competent and willing. They'll likely need the old one back for warranty claim, though.

Not only will they need the old starter back, but you will need to supply them with pictures of the hour meter showing how many hours are on it, and a picture of the tractor serial number tag before they can submit a warranty claim. The pictures must be in JPEG format, they will not be able to use live pictures in HEIC format from an iphone. And it needs to be the actual tractor serial number, not a ROPS, or cab, or loader or any other number. They will also need to submit a picture of the old parts removed from the tractor, and keep the old parts for at least 120 days. All these pictures must be attached to the claim before they can submit and get the claim approved. Just be aware, the dealer can't and won't give you the parts to do it yourself unless you provide all these things.
Also, the clicking noise could be something other than the starter, so don't assume without verifiying. The relays, fuel stop solenoid, and EGR valve also click when turning the key.

 

[TractorGunn]

Am late to the party, but sharing an experience I've had with an old car, that is relatable and others have commented about the 'clicking' issue when trying to start a vehicle.
My old car, the headers are very close to the Starter small solenoid, and caused it to get super hot. I actually found at one time long-ago, the headers actually melted some of the solenoid off...
So, when out for a drive, especially in the summer time, that small solenoid would get virtually fried from all that heat coming off the header. If I pulled into get some gas, or something where it would be a quick turn around of time, the car would not start, I'd either get no response, or the 'clicking'. I had to wait for the solenoid to get cooled down enough, to get the car started again.
So, in that scenario, 90% of the time you hear the clicking noise, but the engine won't turnover, I've found that it's a Starter mechanical part, which needs to be replaced.
Good luck in working with your dealer, that's really crappy that you're dealing with a 22 Hour tractor and one-year age, to be having that problem! I've had an acquaintance tell me to get an LS, but this isn't good information to hear...

I called the dealer and the service manager told me they rarely ever have an LS starter go bad, if any. He said he couldn't really recall ever having to replace one. He said also that since they've used the Yanmar engines they have been rock-solid tractors. He also said the only real issues he sees are people abusing them, not doing maintenance, and thinking they are a bulldozer.

Sounds like if it's the starter, it isn't common. Could be a wire loose too, haven't had time to check. Could also simply be a defective starter. It will cost me about 150.00 to have it picked up and delivered back, not really that bad, just hoping it's a loose connection instead.

 

[Zork]

Just got inside. After tapping starter with hammer while my wife turned the key, it started right up. Ground cable is clean, took it off anyhow, filed it a bit, plus the frame, still did nothing. Reminds me of my 77 Ford Supercab, had to hit the starter on it too.


Needs new starter, solenoid?

I’d say that is typical of brush failure, unless your wife was also rocking the ignition back and forth. With a new tractor it would likely be a bad connection rather than worn brushes.
Typically, brushes can be replaced if you can buy them.
Keep us posted.

 

[TractorGunn]

I’d say that is typical of brush failure, unless your wife was also rocking the ignition back and forth. With a new tractor it would likely be a bad connection rather than worn brushes.
Typically, brushes can be replaced if you can buy them.
Keep us posted.

No, she simply turned the key all the way and held it there, then I tapped the starter and it fired right up.

Hopefully I can get out there today and check the connections.

 

[ernieatv]

Not sure what to do here, hooked up the LS brush hog and when I turn the key it does nothing.

Brake is on. PTO switch is off. Ran fine when I boxed the road, went to bush hog and this is where I am stuck.

Anybody know what went wrong, or what it could be?

Your battery may have a dead cell. If so, you'll never get your tractor going. Unhook your battery cable completely and try a different battery with booster cable. It happened to me 10 years ago, good luck

 

[jacric2005]

To start mine, the tractor has to be out of gear and the PTO switch off. Probably too obvious.

 

[brewatthebeach]

I had something pretty similar happen once in my 240e. I was not messing with the PTO at all. I had parked the tractor the day before and when I went to start it, it just wouldn't turn over. Nothing on the PTO, just the backhoe. All dashboard indicators were normal and battery voltage was good

Turns out all I had to do was switch the PTO on and then off. Something about the safety lockout where it just needed to be re-switched in order to properly reset.

 

[texaswren]

I had a starting problem in my F250 that drove me crazy for a LONG time. Some days it would start fine, then I'd stop at a gas station and it would barely crank or just click. Sometimes crawling under and banging on the starter would help, other times not. Eventually replaced battery and starter, and it would be fine for awhile, but then start acting up. This went on, literally for years. I don't remember what tipped me off, but I found that the factory battery cable had a bad crimp in the lug at the starter end, and the cable, while tight in the lug, was making intermittent connection. I got a new lug, cleaned the wire thoroughly, crimped AND soldered it (like our local alternator shop does), and haven't had a spot of trouble, since.

 

[Gord Baker]

Yes, I hear a click, but the starter doesn't engage.

BTW, this is an HST.

Have you checked/bypassed Starter Solenoid?