skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Tractors
mowboy

PTO not engaging

12 years ago

Hi. Here is where I'm at:
Cub Cadet RZT 54.(zero turn)
PTO disengaged on its own while mowing and will not re-engage.
Battery was operated at reduced voltage for 2-3 months, started with a die hard jump box.
I tested the clutch harness with a multi-tester, switching the leads, and both ways read 0 on the ohms.
I also started mower, disconnected seat shut-off switch, turned PTO switch on, and put a volt tester to both wires in the harness going back to PTO switch and no light up.
I also tested battery with mower running on high throttle, 14.2.
My theory ? I burned out the PTO switch and clutch, maybe by running with a reduced capacity battery for so long ?
Solutions ? Maybe install new clutch and switch and everything be ok ? help ?

Comments (7)

  • 12 years ago

    IF you used a high OHMs scale, you may think you have ZERO.

    Use the lowest scale.
    Resistance is typically between 2.4-2.9 OHMs.

    Something else you could try is disconnected the PTO connector and apply 12V directly to the PTO.
    IF it clicks, there's hope.

    Running with reduced voltage can be extremely hard on these.
    You may be at a point where the battery can't supply enough voltage and the clutch disengages.
    When the load is removed, voltage can jump back up enough to re-engage the clutch. Voltage drops again and the cycle repeats like a machine gun.
    High electrical surges and excessive wear on the friction material.

    IF your clutch has an adjustable air gap, try setting it to .012" with the 3 adjustment screws.

    I linked to a Warner Manual for troubleshooting.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Link

  • 12 years ago

    Thank you for the quick follow up.
    I think my multi-tester is a cheapo and only has one range setting.
    I should also mention I did get a new battery.
    How could I go about providing 12v direct to clutch harness ? can I use a die hard jump box with like 14g wire to connect the Pos to red lead in harness and Neg to black lead in harness ? or go from mower batt to harness with wires ?

  • Related Professionals

    Atlanta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Philadelphia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Boston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oneonta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · El Paso Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Aberdeen Landscape Contractors · Hattiesburg Landscape Contractors · Greenville Landscape Contractors · Auburn Landscape Contractors · Hempstead Landscape Contractors · Cape Coral Architects & Building Designers · Pittsburg Architects & Building Designers · Cookeville Architects & Building Designers · Murfreesboro Architects & Building Designers · Erie Architects & Building Designers
  • 12 years ago

    ok I took 2 wires from my jumper 12v to the clutch harness and it engaged.
    So, maybe just my PTO switch ? since I get no voltage when I took a circuit tester to that side of harness ?

    I did check the reverse switches, the seat switch (now unplugged), and the open hand bar? switches. they all are plugged in, no frays I can see.

    Just don't know why my multi tester would show zero ohms on clutch. Is the tester that big a piece o crap ?
    Would jumping it like that make it engage even if it is shorted ? that don't make sense.

  • 12 years ago

    What's the smallest OHMS scale on your tester?
    If it's something like 2K, 2 OHMS is only 0.1%.
    Cheap meters aren't that accurate + the digital display is +/- 1 digit.

  • 12 years ago

    the one dial setting for ohms says 'ohms' and ' x 1k' is under. in book it says mult by 1000 for reading.

    If it reads zero, could clutch still click when 12v power is applied direct to harness of clutch ?

  • 12 years ago

    Your meter simply doesn't have the resolution to read that low + the fact you may have nearly that much resistance in your test leads.

    The fact it clicks is a better indicator that it's probably good.

  • 12 years ago

    well I think right now for the short term I will get a PTO switch since its right around $20, and put it in there and
    plug the clutch back in and give it a go.
    Thank you.

0
Sponsored