Mowing PTO Issue

Mikemahindrah · Jun 3, 2020

Hi,
I have a 2015 eMax 25 with a mid mower deck. I've used it a couple of times with no issues. Recently, while mowing, the mower deck stopped.....no lights, warning, etc. I tried the switch a couple of times and still nothing. Light on dash indicating the PTO is engaged all the time when I start the tractor. Otherwise the tractor operates. Any idea where I can start checking? I looked at the fuse and it looks ok. I also tried disconnecting the battery and hooking it back up thinking maybe it was a computer/electrical issue. Same results.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Mike

JerryK · Jun 3, 2020

I don't know if your tractor has a hydraulic PTO valve or not, but I would check underneath and see if you partially pulled off a electric connector off the valve. Sometimes the valve will be mounted beside the transmission area with a hyd line going back to the PTO clutch pack. Real easy to snag stuff on most modern tractors. Could be one of the various safety switches with a loose connection, or possibly not adjusted so it works 100% of the time.

Mikemahindrah · Jun 3, 2020

JerryK said:
I don't know if your tractor has a hydraulic PTO valve or not, but I would check underneath and see if you partially pulled off a electric connector off the valve. Sometimes the valve will be mounted beside the transmission area with a hyd line going back to the PTO clutch pack. Real easy to snag stuff on most modern tractors. Could be one of the various safety switches with a loose connection, or possibly not adjusted so it works 100% of the time.

Ok I will check that out. Thanks!

Mikemahindrah · Jun 28, 2020

Hi again,
I guess I have an update. Found the 7.5 amp fuse blown. Replaced it, put everything back together (I had removed the dash and steering wheel to get at the PTO switch) Went to start the tractor and the light indicating the PTO is engaged is back on constantly. (same condition that brought me here) I had replaced the fuse with another 7.5 amp fuse which was also blown. So I guess my question now is, why is the fuse blowing? Been reading through threads here and it looks like some have had an issue with the PTO Clutch? My eMax is a HST so no manual clutch (I realize the PTO clutch is different.) Any thoughts? I ordered the shop manual so that will be here in a few days. Until then any assistance would be appreciated.
Mike

Mikemahindrah · Jul 16, 2020

So after much contemplation (and checking the switch) I believe the failure is in the clutch. I have no idea where to begin. Sounds expensive if I take it to the dealer. Is this something i can attempt on my own? I have the service and repair manual but neither have alot to go on. Any help is appreciated.

Reb954 · Jul 16, 2020

I don't have that tractor so any help I can give is limited. From what you have described I would start checking any related wiring from the fuse to the clutch. Look for cracks in the insulation or running across sharp edges. Even check the switch to make sure it is shutting off and turning on the power. It sounds like there is a good chance you have a short somewhere in the wiring or switch. If all that checks out ok then you probably have a short in the clutch itself.

Sorry I can't help you more than that. Good luck.

Mikemahindrah · Jul 16, 2020

Reb954 said:
I don't have that tractor so any help I can give is limited. From what you have described I would start checking any related wiring from the fuse to the clutch. Look for cracks in the insulation or running across sharp edges. Even check the switch to make sure it is shutting off and turning on the power. It sounds like there is a good chance you have a short somewhere in the wiring or switch. If all that checks out ok then you probably have a short in the clutch itself.

Sorry I can't help you more than that. Good luck.

Yes thats on my list. Sounds tedious but I guess its worth a look
Thank you

Myz28u · Jul 16, 2020

Mikemahindrah said:
So after much contemplation (and checking the switch) I believe the failure is in the clutch. I have no idea where to begin. Sounds expensive if I take it to the dealer. Is this something i can attempt on my own? I have the service and repair manual but neither have alot to go on. Any help is appreciated.

Short to ground is simple to check. Use a meter to see if there is any continuity to ground from either pin in the clutch connector. If so you know it’s grounded. If not, it’s possible to be in the wiring from the switch to the clutch. Use the same concept. One wire should be grounded and the other open to ground on the harness side.
Hope that makes sense.
You can also ready the resistance of the clutch to make sure it’s not too high.

lennyzx11 · Jul 17, 2020

Disconnect the connector from the clutch. There will be one in the wiring near the clutch going to it.

Did light go out showing PTO engaged?
If yes, then problem is probably in clutch.
If no, problem is in wiring, relay, or switch going from connector to switch.

Mikemahindrah · Jul 18, 2020

Update: I found a solenoid (I think) on the left side rear of the machine at the base of the levers that engage the PTO, 4wd, and hi/low range for the transmission. Could this have anything to do with the problem I'm having?