Operating PTO implement out of seat?

FrogLick · Feb 25, 2009

I've recently bought a logging winch to use on a B3030 to help with ice & wind storm downed timber clean up. The winch is ideally used by pulling the clutch control rope from the side rather than sitting in the tractor seat both for safety and productivity reasons. According to my manual the seat PTO safety interlock should allow this if:

1. The tractor is placed in the "N" gear position.
2. The brake is set.
3. And the seat is tilted in the upright position.

Unfortunately when I engage the PTO the engine is killed. I really don't want to defeat the safety interlock but can't figure why it's not working as expected - probably something simple and I'm just stupid. I'm not always on completely level ground but to the best of my knowledge the safety switch is mechanical rather than a mercury switch which could be sensitive to other than level positions. Anyone else had this problem or know what I'm doing wrong?

Ductape · Feb 25, 2009

Do the first two, then engage the PTO, then tilt the seat forward, THEN start the tractor. The key being start the tractor last.

FrogLick · Feb 25, 2009

I'll give that sequence a try and report back.

easygo · Feb 25, 2009

1. Start up tractor and drive it wherever it will be working engage brake and put in N.

2. Idle down engine and engage PTO.

3. Stand up from the seat and fold it up within 3 (or 5?) seconds. It should keep running

4. Rev up engine to desired speed standing on the ground.

That is what I do and it worked so far.

BrianW · Feb 27, 2009

I can operate my B3030 with the range selector in H, L or N and the brake off. Are you sure you do not have the mid PTO selected, or both mid and rear. I just get off, toss the seat forward, and turn it on.

Rockyridge · Feb 27, 2009

If this is s HST, I am pretty sure the forward/reverse pedal still has to be centered for the engine to keep running with the seat up regardless of the position of the gear shift.

simonmeridew · Feb 27, 2009

easygo has it right. You only have a few seconds to fold the seat or it will shut off. Designed to work that way.
simonmeridew

easygo · Feb 28, 2009

There are two safety switches connected to the seat.

#1 Allows the the tractor to run and move when operator is seated. If the operator stands up while tractor is moving or the PTO is engaged it shuts off the engine.

Unless!!!!!

Switch #2 is ON.

#2 allows the tractor to run as stationary PTO power but no movement of machine. It is engaged by fording the seat up within a second or 3 of the operator standing up from the seat.

You could run your chipper or snowblower or whatever without sitting in the tractor. Just have the brake on, put in neutral and fold up the seat quickly after standing up while the PTO is engaged.

FrogLick · Feb 28, 2009

Unfortunately the weather has not been cooperative for the off-seat work I needed to do this weekend - I need a nap anyhow. Thanks to all who have made suggestions since you've given me plenty of options to try. The only one I know for sure isn't my problem is that I have the rear and only the rear PTO engaged. More likely has to do with timing the seat up position and/or when I'm starting the engine & engaging the PTO. I don't have any reason to believe anything is actually wrong with the tractor. Seems that the Owner's manual should be more clear about operating rear PTO equipment out of the seat - it's an otherwise pretty good manual.

FrogLick · Mar 5, 2009

Well the weather was just beautiful for a change and I managed to at least make a dent in some of this ice storm devestation. Unfortunately I've still not been able to operate the skidding winch out of the seat and it's getting to be a real time waster and energy drain having to climb on and off of the tractor to winch in a couple of logs. I've tried all the seat up, engage PTO, engine start combinations I can think of to no avail. No matter what I seem to do the engine is killed unless that seat interlock switch is depressed. Is there a brake sensor switch of some sort that might not be getting closed that I could check? I'm certainly not aware of any such switch and don't know where it would be located. I've emailed Kubota to see what operation instructions they recommend but I'm expecting some sort of response that gives them legal liability coverage rather than really useful help. Also going to contact my dealer (who's always been great) and see what they have to say.