Mahindra won't start, but....

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

There should be a safety switch on the clutch pedal and one on the PTO lever. If you know how to jump the starter solonoid (just make sure all of the tractor shifters in neutral so you don't get yourself run over) and the tractor turns over, that will rule out the battery and battery connection problems. Then your problem will most likely be safety switches, ignition switch or wire disconnected.

 

[POC]

I searched and searched for a switch on the clutch pedal and couldn't find it. I referenced my manuals also. Can you point me in the right direction?
I have the "shuttle shift", I'm pretty sure there is a switch on the "F-R" lever. The PTO was disengaged when I parked the tractor, so I'm assuming that switch is in the right position.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

You are probably correct about your switch being on the shuttle shifter. Most of the models I have sold are hydro's, and the switch is on the clutch pedal. Did you try jumping the starter solonoid? If you put a jumper wire across the plug that goes to your safety switches and it starts, that would indicate that switch is bad or you had a poor electrical connection to it. Let us know what you find.

 

[POC]

I've jumped it with the car, nothing. Checked the safety switches, they are good. Shorted across the starter, it spins, but doesn't engage the engine.
There are 4 solenoids under the "dash", when I turn the key one of them clicks.
I'm kinda at the end of my rope, I don't have any idea what to do next.
Any ideas? Please!!
Thanks,
Patrick

 

[Soundguy]

so you shorted across the big bat lug to the starter power lug.. but did you energize the bendix?

soundguy

 

[RoyJackson]

I've jumped it with the car, nothing. Checked the safety switches, they are good. Shorted across the starter, it spins, but doesn't engage the engine.
There are 4 solenoids under the "dash", when I turn the key one of them clicks.
I'm kinda at the end of my rope, I don't have any idea what to do next.
Any ideas? Please!!
Thanks,
Patrick

Patrick, initially, you posted you turned the key and had nothing (meaning no sound of the starter). This post you indicate the starter turns if you short between the posts.
It sounds like your bendix may be sticking. You can try rapping the starter body with a mallet. But if the bendix isn't coming out, it's time for a starter rebuild.
So, when you first turn the key, is there any sound (such as the starter spinning) at all?
Just for giggles, try towing the tractor (in a higher gear, clutch down) and popping the clutch. Never did this with a tractor, but it sure works good with a car or truck.

 

[wedge40]

I don't *have* to have it going, I was going to clean the driveway, but I got the car out without the tractor, I'll probably just wait till it warms up into the 40's.....

ya mean like the rest of this week?

Wedge

 

[POC]

Soundguy-I don't know how to "energize the bendix". I just put pliers from the one big lug to the other one.

Roy-The only thing that happens when I turn the key is a relay click (It's under the "dash", I can't find anything in my manual to tell me what they (there are 4 relays) all do. I don't know if I can get the tractor from where it is (in the swampy yard) with the FEL on the ground, anywhere to tow it.

Wedge-it is warmer-ish here, at least above freezing....

BTW: this tractor only has 91 hrs on it.

Patrick

 

[POC]

Alright, thanks to you guys (and a page about VW buses....) I got it running!

I figured out that I had to short the starter and the solenoid (bendix?), it turned right over. I had to turn on the key, and then after shorting it started running. I let it run a couple of minutes then turned it off. Then I turned the key and it fired right up.
I guess "something" must've been "just wrong" and it wouldn't engage the solenoid.
Now I can go cut some wood....if I can get the chainsaw started......

Thanks everyone for their input and questions.

Patrick

 

[mikefromnh]

My tractor has a solenoid for the starter that must have a little moisture in it. Every know and then the same thing happens for me -- no start, lights on, safety switches all set.

When it happens (usually after freezing rain, or high wind w/ freezing temps) I just pull the solenoid and bring it inside for five minutes, it thaws and everything is good again