My tractor shuts off (completely new to tractors)

[washxc]

Hey all,

I'm completely new to the world of tractors and I just had a New Holland Boomer 50 delivered to the house last night.

I took my new tractor right into the field after delivery and started learning the ropes by brush hogging.

The problem I'm having is that the tractor randomly shuts off (sometimes when I'm shifting, but most of the time when I'm firing the tractor up and going to shift into gear).

I'm pretty sure it's the auto system for when a user gets out of their seat with the tractor in gear because the **** parking break alarm sounds.

I'm an endurance athlete so I don't weigh a whole lot (140 lbs), and I think that when I'm clutching and breaking that I'm lifting out of the seat a bit.

What gives? Anybody else have this problem? Or is it just tractor newbiness.

I tell you what though, I got more down last night in 3 hours than I usually get done in a weekend with my wheelbarrow and shovels.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Eat 6 Big Macs, a couple large shakes, and stop on the way home and get a dozen doughnuts....Once they're gone, see if problem persist's.

Never had that issue myself...260lbs....

 

[k0ua]

I would bet it is the seat switch, and yes mostly due to your weight.. (man what I would give to have that kind of problem...). I dont know about your boomer, but on my kubota, there is a seat weight adjustment. On my bota it is under the seat on the back side, a T handle screw adjustment that puts pre-load on the suspension springs. If yours has one, and I bet it does, loosen it up to reduce the spring pressure, and you will "bottom" the seat more with your weight and prevent the opening of the safety switch. Good luck.

James K0UA

 

[flusher]

If you suspect the seat interlock, get yourself about 20-30 lb of steel sheet that will fit your seat, cover it with a seat cushion, try to run your tractor and see what happens.

 

[Reg]

Welcome (back) to the wonderful world of playing in the dirt - I mean "Working" with tractors.

I have heard tell that relatively lightweight people (e.g. young wives) sometimes have problems keeping the "operator present" seat switch closed.
I have also heard that the "cup holders" on moderne luxo tractors are there to ensure that operators maintain their mass with "adult beverages".

So yeah, it could be your lack of mass.

That said, I didn't understand why you are "Shifting" once underway.
Are you driving this thing like a manual trans car/truck, i.e. starting in 1st and going up a gear every couple of seconds until you reach working speed ?
If so I suggest you stop that.
Just select the range and gear you will use for the task, engage clutch and go, then lower the implement.

Ahh, somewhere in that sequence engage the PTO, preferably at idle engine revs then bring them up to get the 540 at the PTO.
Lower the implement gradually when you are actually moving.

BTW a 50 lb weight (20 Kgm, 44 lbs., whatever) from a bar bell would help diagnose this.
Just put it on the seat and squat on it.
A CHEEP plastic covered one might be easier to take, but I think I could suffer a steel one for 15 or 20 minutes of testing.

 

[washxc]

Thanks for the replies. Here's the sequence of events...

I start the tractor (everything in neutral), clutch, pick a range, gear, and then move the shuttle shift to forward (with my foot on the brake), and that's when the alarm goes off and the tractor shuts down.

I can sometimes make it turn off by pushing myself down into the seat.

Once I'm moving I usually keep things in the same gear with the occasional shift if I want more speed. I'm not running through each gear or anything.

It's mostly when I'm at a stop with my foot on the break and the clutch (which shifts more weight).

I read through the manual, and that's the only thing that I can come up with.

I like my cheeseburgers too, but I run too much.

 

[SSdoxie]

Try sliding your seat forward a little so you're not extending your legs as far. I am in the same wieght range as you and had similar problem when I first got on my Bobcat because seat was full to rear.

 

[washxc]

Hey SS,

I've tried several different seat positions, but to no avail thus far...

 

[banjodunn]

G'day i dont think weight adjustment will affect the seat switch and without getting shot down by the safety police you may have to bypass the switch. Maybe a call to your dealer with an explanation of your prob may be able to sort it out


Jon

 

[Hughman]

My wife and daughter have the same problem when operating our boomer. Does your seat have the adjustable spring tension knob? If so, try loosening it up a bit.