PTO not always turning on

RalphVa · Nov 18, 2018

This was happening a little bit on the JD 2025R when I had the bush hog on. Went to operate the MacKissic chipper/shredder today and the PTO was hard to make come on.

It did like with the bush hog. The implement would be jolted a tad (very faint). Then it was off. I'm pretty sure it's the PTO switch itself because I can jiggle it a bit, and the implement starts.

If this is it, how does one get to the PTO switch to replace it?

Thanks a bunch.

Ralph

RalphVa · Nov 21, 2018

No one with any answers?

I don't have a clue as to how to get at the PTO switch.

Maybe direct me to the web site to download the service or repair manual?

Ralph

beenthere · Nov 21, 2018

Deere dealer can get it for you, or online
John Deere Technical Service Manual - TM12719

Thomas · Nov 22, 2018

Have you try blowing air into on switch maybe dirt etc. cause from bush hogging.

RalphVa · Nov 22, 2018

Thomas said:
Have you try blowing air into on switch maybe dirt etc. cause from bush hogging.

Cannot get to it close enough to blow air onto it. It's enclosed by the one piece cowling over that area. Looks like you can maybe lift the cowling if a couple bolts are removed at the bottom, but no clue in how to remove 2 or 3 things that would prevent it from being lifted.

Ralph

RalphVa · Nov 22, 2018

beenthere said:
Deere dealer can get it for you, or online
John Deere Technical Service Manual - TM12719

$150: a lot of money. Isn't there a PDF for a lot less?

Ralph

gimmodog · Nov 22, 2018

RalphVa said:
Cannot get to it close enough to blow air onto it. It's enclosed by the one piece cowling over that area. Looks like you can maybe lift the cowling if a couple bolts are removed at the bottom, but no clue in how to remove 2 or 3 things that would prevent it from being lifted.

Ralph

Looks like you will have to jump in and start taking things off to get at it. Take your time and be careful not to break anything. Look underneath and see if there are any wires that could be going to a solenoid that would engage a clutch, then test to see if it is getting voltage. My 4720 had enough fine dirt get into the housing to stop the solenoid from engaging. Only had to take the cover off and clean out.

joecdeere · Nov 22, 2018

Ralph, those yellow push-pull switches are famous for failing on the inside, they’re cheap so get two when you go. They snap through the plastic of the dash, but you have to reach the backside of it to squeeze the locks that hold it in, you might find yourself lucky enough that after undoing the plastic and moving it just a bit that you can get your hand up in there enough to get it free. Just a tip, but if you are able to get it loose and can pull the wires out a bit, get you a coat hanger to hook to the plug to keep it from disappearing behind the dash forever.

RalphVa · Nov 22, 2018

My wife and I looked at today after finding a video that shows a technician just popping the things out of the dash on another JD model.

The switch never failed on my 4010 (like a 2019E in today's nomenclature) in 9 years and lots of bush hog and chipper/shredder duty. It was exactly the same.

I'm getting down on JDs. About ready to trade this one for a Kubota. My 1025R in between was an absolute lemon. Traded it in for the 2025R with just less than 2 years on it.

Ralph

RalphVa · Nov 22, 2018

Found a youtube video showing a technician removing a PTO switch. He showed where the tabs are (top and bottom where the lettering/symbols are). Looks as though one could slip some thin pieces of metal (or skinny scrapers/blades: maybe a couple single edged razor blades) between the switch and the cowling to push those tabs in. I'll give this a try. Really cannot get to the back side of the switch like it shows in the video. (I Googled "PTO clutch switch replacement on John Deere" in youtube).

Ralph