Trouble with Mahindra 4530

[daydk1]

My Mahindra 4530 has started acting up the last couple of weeks. It starts fine when I first start it. After turning it off and starting it again a couple of times, it starts not starting with the key and I have to start it by touching a screwdriver to the starter solenoid. Anyone else have this problem? I thought maybe the safety on the High/Low lever might be going out, but I don't know that for sure. Don't know what else might be causing it.

 

[Lesliel]

I have a 4530 and a 5545 which are same platform with different electronics. Had same problem which was ground from battery to frame. If you can jump hot lug on starter solenoid to ground with screwdriver then positive side is good. Suggest you take both ends of your battery negative cable off and sand the contact surfaces til they are fresh metal and rebolt. After I rebolt to frame I seal connection with 2 coats of paint. Battery connection I coat with Vaseline.
Not easy to get to but no downside on ensuring you have a better than new ground.

 

[daydk1]

Thank you. I will give that a try. I was thinking it might have to do with a safety switch either on the hi-lo shifter or the PTO since I've been using the PTO with post hole diggers. I'll definitely give that a try. It's odd to me that it's intermittent. Sometimes it will start with the switch and then other times it won't.

 

[Lesliel]

I have had problems on both tractors with the PTO interlock switch. On the 4530 it failed on a restart in the field with no contact with the starter. I ended up taping a piece of wood to hold the switch in until I could it back to the barn. On the 5545 I shut it off after brush cutting and disengaged the PTO and clutch. Later I tried to start and nothing. Played with the PTO lever a few times and it started. Later I bent the PTO lever to insure the switch was fully engaged.
Could be sloppy linkage or just a close setting during manufacturing.
At one time I considered bypassing the starting safety circuit but I think the safety feature is necessary to prevent a horrific accident. Another switch to check is the “neutral “ switch to insure its engaged to start. Good luck on tracing down the culprit.