My B2620 Won't Crank Over

7th Angel · Jun 2, 2017

Yesterday I was using my tractor to knock down weeds in my back yard weed patch. After about 2 hours, I was headed back to it's parking spot in my garage. I had to dismount to open the gates, so I reduced the engine speed to idle. As soon as I got off the tractor, the engine died. Now it won't turn over. All it does is click one time when turning the key. I checked the voltage on the battery and it was down to 3.5 volts, so I removed it and placed it on the charger over night. This morning, the voltage was about 13.5v when I took it off the charger. I hooked up the battery and it still won't crank, it just clicks one time with each turn of the key. I hooked up a different battery from my backup generator, and still it only will click one time with each turn of the key. The voltage of the generator battery was around 12.5v.

While using it yesterday, it ran great like it normally does. the tractor is almost 9 years old, has less than 100 hrs. I have already replaced the battery about 4 years ago. It had a full tank of fuel.

I'm thinking I need to replace the battery, but I'm concerned that there maybe something else wrong because the engine died when I throttled it down to an idle. It has never acted that way that before. Is it possible a dying battery will cause the engine to die when it's just idling? I can understand a gasoline engine shutting down when the battery voltage drops, but not a diesel.

Finding a replacement battery in this town will be like pulling chicken's teeth, so I wanted to ask before I start practicing poultry dentistry.

Thanks for any and all help!

Doug

TMGT · Jun 2, 2017

Is it the fuel solinoid clicking (key on the on position) or a click from the starter? (key in spring loaded start position).

If it's not clicking in the start position then first check that the pto lever etc. is in the proper position, on mine the HST pedal somtimes needs to be rocked back and forth a little.

I also had a voltage regulator go out and caused a no start problem. With the battery that low I wonder if the regulator went out?

7th Angel · Jun 3, 2017

Thank you for your reply. It only clicks when the key is in the spring loaded start position. It does not click with the key in the on position.

TMGT · Jun 3, 2017

Have you checked the voltage at the starter, both main batteey cable and the solinoid wire while trying to start it? Also take a look at the fuses, sounds like either a poor connection at the starter or its bad.
Bad starters aren't very common especially at low hours like yours.
Also check the fuel solinoid and make sure it's getting power with the key on.

7th Angel · Jun 3, 2017

Thanks for the info. I'll check those things out and let you know what I find.

I appreciate your help.

sailorman · Jun 3, 2017

I had a similar problem . One day tractor would not turn over no matter what I did . Even if I charge battery overnight . Had battery tested at autozone and it was bad . Bought new battery and all is good . That was some 3 years ago .

7th Angel · Jun 3, 2017

UPDATE: I reinstalled the suspect battery and then I followed the suggestions from TMGT regarding the PTO lever and HST pedal. Even though the PTO was disengaged, I moved the lever back and forth a few times, and returned it to the proper position. I then rocked the HST pedal back and forth a few times. I got in the seat and as soon as I turned the key to the on position, I heard the fuel solinoid click. I turned the key all the way and the starter clicked and engaged. The engine turned over slowly, but it fired up!

Looks like it's time for a new battery.

Thank you TMGT and Sailorman for your replies and suggestions. You both were a big help! I appreciate it!

Doug

TMGT · Jun 3, 2017

That's good news! I'm not sure when you bought your tractor but mine was bought in 2010 and still has the original battery, did you make sure it's charging properly?

7th Angel · Jun 3, 2017

I bought mine in September 2008. I replaced the original battery in 2013. After I got it started this morning, I checked the voltage at the battery. It read about 14.5v. Is that enough, or should it be higher? I haven't added any additional lights, or anything that would put a demand on the charging system. The tractor is completely stock.

TMGT · Jun 3, 2017

14.5v is good, suprised the battery is bad already. Did it get completely discharged before in the past? That is a killer, especially if it's freezing.