Commando 800 - died and wont turn over (no clicking).

[njdpo 10]

Hi all,

Got a snow blower last night for my Commando 800, and after I pulled the trailer into the driveway I went to get the Commando (with the handy trailer hitch) to pull the trailer to the side of the house.

The tractor was HARD starting last night - think the oil is too thick - I'm gonna have to swap it out for something thinner.

Anyway I finally got her up and running and made my way over to the trailer to make the formal introduction to the new addition to the family and the tractor shut down on me (I knew something was wrong this machine runs too well for that ). In addition I watched the lights shut off on me as the motor spun down.

Darn, and now Im being called back into the house to take a call...

When I came back out to have a look at the situation my lights are working again - but the motor will not turn over when I hit the ignition switch...

There is no clicking... nothing when I hit the ignition... but the lights are working (bright).

Could it be the ignition switch, the starter? I just dont know were to begin. I'm mechanically inclined, but electrically challenged. I guess I will start by jumping the positive end of the battery to the positive lead on the starter ?

For some reason - I think the starter is going to work ... and if it does then I need to be looking at something else ... but what ? the ignition switch ? Im wondering WHY did she shut down like that ...

I hate electrics - they always seem to give up on me when I need the tractor the most ... (winter).

your advice greatly appreciated - Dave

[TT-(Moderator) 1,147]

My thoughts:

#1 - make sure all wiring connections are clean & tight. (start at the battery)

#2 - make sure the PTO lever is completely back. (disengaged)

[bean 85]

My thoughts:

#1 - make sure all wiring connections are clean & tight. (start at the battery)

#2 - make sure the PTO lever is completely back. (disengaged)

number 2 got me yesterday. I bought a 8hp 4speed for the grandkids and after they drove it, it wouldn't start. finally figured out that the pto lever was 1/2" forward.

[njdpo 10]

So I rolled into the driveway this evening and I tried the ignition again - nothing... Wasnt expecting anything - but hey, why not.

I stepped back from the tractor and swore at it - and guess what !!! it started !!!

Well sort of ... I was looking at the fine machine and the brake caught my eye ... The brake used to work when I got the machine - where I had to press the brake to start it... and then one day I ran into branch or something and kinda bent the safety switch a bit - and never had to use it again...

But tonight - I pressed down on the brake - and she cranked for me... then when I let go of the brake - she died...

I had a problem with my brake band this past summer and while re-assembling the whole brake assembly I recall noticing that the safety switch bracket - was bent and on the flimsy side (this is just about the only thing I've seen - not over designed on this fine machine)...

With that being said - it could also be that I've not adjusted the brake band properly and my heavy foot has bent the safety switch bracket...

So Im looking at something with the safety shut-off switch... Any tips and tricks you have to working this issue further are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.