Hallas 0 #1 Posted July 25, 2009 howdy, looking for a little advice or at least point me in the right direction... 1988 257-H w/ 42" mower deck. Keeps stalling like it is hitting something shortly after engaging the electric PTO. Starts up a min later like there is no problem. Mower deck spins free by hand, no obstructions. If the electric PTO was going, would it behave in this manner? Any advice would be great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,131 #2 Posted July 25, 2009 Sounds like you might have a problem in the PTO safety interlock wiring or switches. You might want to start with the seat switch and go from there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hallas 0 #3 Posted July 26, 2009 Electrical? oh noes! I have the wiring diagram for the tractor, but greek to me, ha. Actually the seat switch does not work to begin with. The switch is fine, i checked it with my meter. I cannot get the test lights to engage when I hit the test switch on the dash. The switch works, as the voltmeter moves when I hit the switch. Again, if someone can give me some pointers that would be great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hallas 0 #4 Posted July 27, 2009 ok I screwed up, the seat switch does work. It only cuts the motor if the PTO is engaged and you get off the seat right? Would a bad switch be the only thing that was wrong? The rest of the wiring seems straigtforward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,131 #5 Posted July 27, 2009 That's what it's supposed to do, but they can cause a problem like you describe if they aren't making contact with the operator seated. Can you hook up a 12VDC jumper wire directly to the PTO clutch so it runs without having to activate the PTO switch? At least that will rule out any mechanical issues between the tractor and the mower deck. (make sure your feet are in a safe location if/when you do this! ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Iron 1 #6 Posted July 31, 2009 Ok, I can give a tip. Unplug the seat switch, and inset a short piece of wire into the plug on harness, bypassing the switch in seat. Try it and see if PTO gets working like it should. Be careful tho', set the parking brake if your standing around it while running, doesn't take much to bump the hydro lever and it will go, since the seat is bypassed, of course, watch your feet! One other thing, check engine mounting bolts, I had mine work loose, making a "clunk" turning into a obnoxious rattle, loose bolts will break off quickly. This happened to 2 other 244-H's my friends had too! Depending on actual wiring, loose engine is a loose ground. Hope it helps! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hallas 0 #7 Posted August 2, 2009 well I disconnected the seat switch and all is well. Is it supposed to work this way? I would have thought that I DID need to use a jumper! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
