PTO blowing fuse

[GeorgeW]

After hitting a stump with the brush hog, the PTO on my DK 45 quit. Found a blown fuse, but upon replacement the fuse blows after 2-3 seconds when the PTO is turned on. Any ideas what to check and where to look?

Thanks in advance.

George

 

[xcgreene]

Could be a short in the solenoid, Continuity/resistance check is a simple troubleshoot check box. Depending on what dk45 you've got, the solenoid is back by the stbd hydraulic filter, next to the 4wd solenoid. Have a close look at the wires in the immediate area, could be broken/touching too.

 

[TN Kiwi]

Sounds like the blade is bound up to me.
Check if the disc that the blade is attached to will spin freely.

 

[GeorgeW]

Thanks for the suggestions. The DK 45 is a 2003 gear model. Brush hog is not bound up and was disconnected when fuse was replaced. Visual inspection of wires seemed ok. Am not sure where the solenoid is located but will look where you suggested.

Thanks again.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Find the PTO solenoid and disconnect it. There should be an inline connector near ( a few inches from) the solenoid. Then see if a new fuse blows. If it does you have a short in the wires. If not you need a solenoid.

 

[GeorgeW]

Finally got a chance to troubleshoot this problem. Found a frayed wired on the solenoid pigtail and was cautiously encouraged. Isolated the wire and turned the PTO on. Ran it for a couple of minutes, shut it off and then back on. Fuse blew in a couple seconds. Next took the fender switch apart, cleaned it and tried again, this time with just the ignition on, engine not running. Everything good. Turned PTO off with the the dash switch and then back on. Fuse blew in a couple of seconds. Next disconnected the solenoid pigtail. All good. Reconnected solenoid and same thing happened. Seemed good until turned off then back on. So, pretty sure it's the solenoid. Anything else I should do to confirm this?

Looks like there are four allen head screws that hold it on. Anyone ever replaced one of these? Any tips would be appreciated. Also, is dealer the only place to get one? Or, is there a good source elsewhere?

Thanks for any info and the suggestions you all have given so far. They were very helpful.

 

[ritcheyvs]

First, be sure the fuse holder contacts are clean. Poor (e.g. dirty, corroded) fuse contacts can generate enough heat to blow fuses prematurely. If you have (or can borrow) a DC ammeter with the right range it would be worthwhile to actually measure how much current the solenoid actually draws.

But I fear you will need to replace that solenoid, which is a $300+ part. There are also four (very cheap) O-rings under the solenoid; replace them too.

 

[PEJ5]

I am new to tractors so excuse the question... My first PTO attachment was a snowblower and the blower PTO shaft has a shear bolt built-in. Is this not standard on all PTO shafts. It sounds like the OP is facing an expensive repair rather than replacing a $2 shear bolt.

 

[GeorgeW]

Yes, fuse contacts are clean. Don't have a way to check that much current, but a resistance check at the solenoid pigtail connector shows 5 ohms, almost a direct short.

The mower has a shear bolt. No matter how well one canvases a new area to mow, etc. many times an obstacle is missed. Have broken many bolts over the years. Guess this was one too many.

A web search did not turn up any sources for the solenoid, so guess this is a dealer only item.

Again, I appreciate all the help. It has been very useful.

 

[ritcheyvs]

...A web search did not turn up any sources for the solenoid, so guess this is a dealer only item....

If you have a straight DK45, this page from Michigan Iron probably shows your part. Tractor Joe shows it for a bit less. Dealers set their own prices so maybe a local dealer will match.