Z910 Electrical problem

[GarthH]

My Z910 zero turn mower is having trouble with sometype of electrical issue with the clutch for the blade. The error code is 3-5 which tells me to check the wiring carefully. I have done so finding some potential issues with the leads going to the clutch. I repaired them and started mowing and the clutched died about 15 minutes latter. I do believe the wires look good now although have not fully checked the connection to the clutch under the mower.

I check the wires to the brake and they look good. I am less suspicious of these wires as the engine starts when the brake is engaged so it leads to indicate they are OK.

I tracked the yellow wire to main module with no issues.

I think there is 3 logical issues - the switch, the main module and the electrical going into the clutch.

I was thinking the next that I would do is to replace the switch. I'm not thinking this is correct though as it does engage but just shuts down.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you

Garth

 

[GarthH]

I stopped in at the JD dealer. They thought it would be the seat safety switch so I tested that tonight and the engagement switch. Neither helped. I would guess the two remaining components are the clutch/spindle motor or the computer (or what they call it). Any thoughts? Has anyone tried replacing them? Any challenges?

 

[GarthH]

Well replaced the clutch today. Its not that bad of job.

In mycase though it did not help. This is a tough problem.

The only thing left is the computer. I don't even know what the module looks like.

 

[GarthH]

Had the mower to the dealer. They checked all switches, went through the wiring and replaced a couple diodes. Worked well for about an hour; then the same trouble light code 3-5 which the book says over voltage. The say that can be a bare wire grounding on the machine, the clutch not drawing the power or maybe one of the switches. The brake switch is working properly for starting the machine and did after the failed code; the seat switch seems to be working. It still has the new clutch which obviously the dealer checked my install.

Anybody have any suggestions? I don't think we have replaced what ever senses the power but why would it be fine for a while and then fail. I can let it rest and will run for a while and fail again. There is no logic to something creating more power - I wonder about the alternator? Is that where the power starts? I can't really think of seeing a alternator in the system but must be one there.

 

[GarthH]

A bit more info. I put a volt meter on the battery cables. The first time - the blades / PTO ran about 10 minutes - the volts start at about 3.6 varying between this and 4.1 for about 5 minutes. They it was stepped up to 5.5 - 6.3 volts - the clutch kicked out at about 6.3 to 6.5 volts. About 2 hours latter I started it with a reading of 12.1 volts it fluctuated up to 13.5 but the clutch only ran less than a minute.

I will try to monitor the volts on the clutch line itself although it is a bit of a challenge to be the meter into into that wiring line

 

[GarthH]

Replaced the regulator today. It worked great for 1.3 hours and then took a break for supper. It wouldn't engage the clutch thereafter - what a pig.

The Service Department manager thought the next step was to replace the wiring harness. I suspect a tough project for DIYer.

Pretty good deal on new - 0% interest. The salesman said he would give me almost the same amount we paid for it. I think it is a no brainer time! A new 920 or 925 coming.

When your beat I guess you need to double down {lol}.

 

[GarthH]

Well I did double down and bought a new Z920m. Put about 5 hours on it over the past couple days - certainly seems to have a much improved cut. It took a look at the mechanical system around the deck there does seem to be quite a few changes over the Z910. Has anyone noticed them?

I went to buy a couple options but could make a great deal so I'm holding off on them for now.

Has anyone tried the suspension seat? Pretty expensive at $400. I think the Deere option is spring based - is it better than the air suspension? Do they actually smooth out the ride?

I notice that they also have a suspension available for the front wheels - not sure if I can put them on the Z920 - does anybody know? Have you tried them?

Lastly I was going to go with the mulching option. When I talked to the Kubota dealer he said the 21 HP Diesel might not be enough power for the mulching - the Deere is 22 HP gas I wonder if it has enough power?

Thanks again

Garth