TC31 Seat Problem

[Shark75]

I have a 2007 TC31 that has begun giving me problems with the seat sensor. My wife has had problems with it since new (she is about 115lbs), but recently the alarm sounds and the tractor shuts off with me on it (about 175 lbs). The dealer says they have never heard of this issue, and suggested I bypass the safety switch. I have done this for the time being, but am not comfortable with it bypassed once mowing starts back up again. Has anyone had this problem, and if so what was the resolution?

I am a little disappointed in the dealer's response. I suggested we try a new switch. If that does not resolve the issue, try a new seat assembly. It has worked correctly for 100 hours of use, so something must have changed. The dealer is not ready to do this, unless of course I pay for the parts, even though the tractor is still under warranty.

 

[dqdave1]

First of all; it is the dealer responsiblity to correct this problem. He should have NEVER told you to bypass the system. Time to call CNH directly and vice your concern.
On a side note; make sure there is no debris/wiring under the seat that would cause it not to completely sit completely in its normal down position. Sometimes twigs, etc get under it and cause a malfunction; could be ice, could be a wire, etc.
Dave

 

[Shark75]

Thanks for the reply. I checked under the seat, but the switch is integral to the seat. It appears that the foam is what actually deflects and presses on the seat switch (mounted to the bottom of the seat and facing up toward the operator). It also looks like the seat switch is a three position switch, fully opened (no weight on seat - sounds alarm when in neutral and parking brake set, shuts off tractor in gear), partial closed (some weight but not enough - this sounds alarm but allows tractor to operate), and fully closed.

Is there a number I can call to talk directly to CNH? My dealer told me they can not call and talk to someone, rather they have to submit the issues to a system (sounds like a message board to me), and the techs look at it and respond to the "easy" issues. I had the same issue with them with my intermittent 3pt hitch problem that causes the 3pt hitch to remain lowered and not raise with the control lever.

 

[dqdave1]

My TC 29 does not have a seat switch so I was guessing that something may have gotten under seat. I have a CNH zero turn mower that has the same switch your TC 31 has. I have this number to North American New Holland. Give it a try.
866-639-4563

Dave