where to start

Chuck47 · Jan 20, 2020

Mahindra Max 24. 112 Hrs. been using it to do light landscaping....light box blading, spreading crushed granite spreading, etc. usually never use it at max rpm. Worked all day 2 days ago and engine & hydraulics all smooth. Went to start it this morning and nothing. Have headlights & turn signals, normal start up dash lights including glow plugs which turned off as usual. Turned the start key and nothing at all. checked the battery which was low. Charged it up and it didn't hold very long. Put in a new battery. still have lights, dash lights, etc. but turn the key and absolutely nothing. No burnt breakers (didn't check the 50 amp but if it was out I'd have nothing right?). Now thinking ignition switch? starter? seat (or other) safety switch? Its in the shop can't move it because front end loader & box blade are down (and can't start it of course). Just looking for suggestions before I try to find some way to find a mobile service or get it to a dealer. Oh by the way the dealer I bought it from went out of business shortly after I bought it. Nice of him to tell me but then why would he. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Oldpath05 · Jan 20, 2020

Sorry to hear that... I have safety switches in pto lever, shiftier lever and seat, once they'r all where they'r suppose be then I can turn the key to start and the tractor starts. If my key on tractor still didn't turn over the starter then I would look at the key switch and or solenoid on starter or just starter. There are some here that most likely know exactly whats wrong but they might be napping at the moment.

ADKMax26 · Jan 20, 2020

I know on the max 26 I used to own there was a separate 50 amp fuse by the starter itself in the wire loom.

Roadworthy · Jan 20, 2020

Too much information. It does sound like one of your safety switches or possibly a mouse chewed wire somewhere. It doesn't really matter if all your switches are where they're supposed to be if they are not making proper contact internally or some varmint has chewed a wire. You can put a voltmeter on the starter or the solenoid to see if they're getting power. Watch your dash lights. Normally when you hit the starter all dash lights will go off so you get maximum power to the starter. Good luck to you.

sspenst · Jan 20, 2020

If you have not looked at your battery connections look there, i had similar problems on my 2014 3016 gear.
first time i cut the ends off and installed regular clamps. 2nd time i had to replace the battery and the clamps again as i bought cheap versions. got the more expensive marine grade style with felts.3rd time i removed the ground cable and ground the frame and reinstalled. 4th time i replaced the ground cable.. the origional battery was junk from the get go. Exide i think. anyway it was a leaker. i missed my battery warranty by 2-3 months...

for some reason it likes to have really tight connections!!! even if they feel tight, tighten some more! picky that way....... traded it on my cabbed 2638 hst, so time will tell if i have to do the same. looks like another exide i think :confused3:

RNeumann · Jan 20, 2020

As mentioned above- you either bumped the PTO lever. Or, on that model, that 50a fuse has been know to cause that. As mentioned, it’s not with all the other fuses- it’s sort of hidden in the wire loom.

duffer · Jan 21, 2020

RE: connections...you might also want to check your ground cable from the battery to the frame. If there is a lot of paint on the frame, or gunk from working in dirt, etc, the ground cable might not be making a secure connection, or busted, or chewed, or, or, or...

Chuck47 · Jan 21, 2020

thanks much for the suggestions. Now I have some checking to do. will post when I figure it out

Chuck47 · Feb 24, 2020

update. Finally found it. problem was dirt & small pebbles packed around neutral safety switch kept it from operating properly. I'll keep a check on it regularly from now on. someone else mentioned this somewhere on this forum but I can't find the thread now. Thanks to Tha person whoever you are