C-125 PTO trouble

[kto434 108]

Hi guys.  I got a 1980 C-125 gear drive tractor last fall and used it for snow plowing all winter.  I attached my 36-inch RD mower deck to it tonight (the deck is greased and both the deck and mule drive spin freely) and when I attempt to engage the PTO—whether the belt to the mule drive and mower deck is attached or not) the engine stalls.  The PTO clutch appears to be fine—I removed the PTO brake and the tractor runs and the PTO spins on the crankshaft.  With the brake installed, the PTO does not spin when the engine is running.  I have never had this happen on any of my WH tractors—and haven’t a clue what is happening to stall the engine when I attempt to engage the PTO.  Any ideas/suggestions?  Thanks!

Edited May 5, 2019 by kto434

[Ed Kennell 42,228]

Probably a wire loose or a failed switch on one of the two PTO safety switches or the seat switch  that kills the ignition when the PTO is engaged.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Ed Kennell

[troutbum70 858]

Had that problem on my 417, it was a bad safety switch on the PTO control arm behind the dash. 

[kto434 108]

Great idea—thanks—I will check that out tomorrow.  I never even thought about a switch problem so very much appreciate the suggestion.  I will report back.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,532]

When the pto is engaged the seat switch powers the ignition.

Garry

[kto434 108]

Yep, it was the seat switch.  When I got the tractor I installed a new seat switch, but I never followed thru to make sure the seat mount contacted the switch when the seat is down—which it did not.  Using the tractor for snow plowing and tugging only always worked.  I was able to adjust the seat switch enough so it now contacts the seat mount when the seat is down and presto, the PTO engages/disengages as it should without killing the engine.  Thanks again for the suggestion!

[Ed Kennell 42,228]

We luv these easy peasy fixes.  Thanks for letting us know.