Resisted the temptation...... B3200 safety switch maintenance

[Stewie1]

Started the evening off going out to do some woodwork in my shop, but couldn't resist a little seat time clearing space for the chicken run. Dug out a small bank of earth and then got off the tractor to put some rocks in the bucket and it stopped. Got back on, wouldn't start. Jiggled everything including the HST treadle, nothing. So much for a quick few minutes of dirt work.

Suspected a safety switch and went through them and jumpered them one by one. The HST treadle neutral switch was the culprit. I already had a jumper made up so why not just leave it an get on?

For some reason I was trolling through YouTube earlier in the week and stumbled across a video looking at stopping the HST on a B3200 sticking and the poster also disassembled the safety switch. Very useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvxjsaKeXCw&sns=em

I removed the switch and tested it on the bench - worked perfectly so it just needed adjustment. Backed off the adjustment nuts and then reinstalled. Starts when needed now, but still cuts out when it should. As my eldest daughter drives the tractor I'm glad I resisted the temptation to jumper the switch even temporarily.

One hour of troubleshooting, finding the right Tools etc this time, next time would be a five minute job. I also have got to know my tractor better by disassembling some of the underseat area.

Craig

 

[kcender]

Good decision to keep the switch operational.Even though they can be a pain they are there for a reason,could help to prevent an injury.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

The B7800 which was the predecessor of the B3200 was known for this problem. I had one and fixed about 3 things before I ever discovered what the culprit was. With the B7800 it would maybe get bumped back into dead center after a "repair" of something else and then I figured I fixed it with dielectric grease in all of the connectors under the seat was one of my fixes. One time I rocked my B7800 on a hillside when it wouldn't start and "fixed" the dead spot on the starter. Finally discovered it was the peddle and always rocked it a bit and it would start right up. Traded that B7800 to a L3240 and trade that L3240 to a B3200 but never had the peddle problem with it but didn't keep it for 3 years like I did the B7800.

 

[bumperm]

Just found a similar problem on my 2013 B3350HSDC. Neutral switch in mounting on a fork like lateral bracket on the frame. The 21mm thin nuts got loose enough that the switch moved outboard of the tab on the control that is supposed to push the switch plunger. Shoved it back in place and tried using an adjustable wrench. Could use a prick punch to tighten it a bit, I guess, there's not much room. Ordered a 21mm crows foot wrench, I'll make that work or make a wrench to fit.

 

[Egon]

Bending and grinding wrenches is not that uncommon.

 

[bumperm]

Egon,

Yessir! I have a drawer full of "just for that" tools and fixtures at my hangar that I've made over the years. Some are specific to working on just one part or an plane or whatever. Have to write on them what each is for, they are so seldom used.