As a lawn mower owner, it can be frustrating when your engine dies unexpectedly, especially when you engage the PTO (Power Take-Off).
In this article, we will discuss the various reasons lawn mower engine dies when PTO is engaged.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why your lawnmower engine dies when the PTO is engaged and how to fix it.
Understanding PTO on Lawn Mower
As a lawn mower operator, it is essential to understand the Power Take-Off (PTO) system to avoid engine damage and ensure optimal performance.
PTO is a crucial component of a grass mower, and it is essential to know how it works.
The PTO system is responsible for energizing the mower’s cutting blades, and it uses a hydraulic pump to transfer power from the engine to the blades.
So, understanding the PTO system on a grass mower is crucial for optimal performance and avoiding engine damage.
Why Engine Dies When PTO Is Engaged?
The PTO, or Power Take-Off, is responsible for transmitting energy from the engine to the mower blades. When the blades are engaged, an incorrectly routed belt might cause the mower to stall.
John Deere Mower Stalls When Pto Engaged ( 5 main Reasons)
Fuel Issues
If the fuel levels are insufficient, the engine may not have enough energy to handle the load of the PTO. Additionally, old fuel can block up the fuel system, leading to engine problems.
PTO Clutch Issues
If the clutch is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to stall. A worn-out clutch can slip and not engage the blades properly, leading to engine problems. This means that the blades are not securely connected to the PTO shaft.
Battery Issues
If the battery is not providing enough energy, the engine may not have enough energy to handle the load of the PTO. If you’re battery and belt pulleys are suitable then check your spark plug mine was having a misfire once you would put too much strain on the mower, hint turning PTO on. Snatch it out and head to the auto parts store. The electric clutch pulls enough to kill the engine.
Air Filter Issues
A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, leading to engine problems. If the engine is not getting enough air, it may not have enough energy to handle the load of the PTO.
Charging System Issues
If the charging system is not functioning properly, it can cause the battery not to charge properly. This can lead to a weak or dead battery, which can cause the engine to stall when the PTO is engaged.
In summary, there are several reasons why your engine might die when the PTO is engaged, including fuel issues, PTO clutch problems, battery issues, air filter problems, and charging system issues.
Read more:
How deep should mulch be to prevent Weeds?
Gator Blades vs Mulching regular and high lift blades
Will dethatching remove weeds?
What is John Deere Hy-Gard equivalent?
John Deere Fault Codes and Meaning
The Mower Engine dies when PTO with Mechanical Issues
When the PTO is engaged, the lawn mower engine may die due to mechanical issues. Here are some common mechanical issues that can cause the mower engine to die when the PTO is engaged:
Faulty PTO switch
The PTO contact is responsible for engaging and disengaging the mower blades. If the switch is broken, it may not engage the blades properly, causing the engine to die when the PTO is engaged. If necessary, could you replace the switch?
Damaged PTO clutch
The PTO clutch is responsible for transferring energy from the engine to the mower knife edge. If the clutch is damaged, it may not engage the knife edge properly, causing the engine to die when the PTO is engaged. In this case, the clutch needs to be repaired or replaced.
Worn out belts
The belts that connect the engine to the PTO clutch and the mower knife edge can wear out over time. If the belts are worn out, they may not be able to transfer energy properly, making the engine die when the PTO is engaged. In this case, the belts need to be replaced.
Loose or damaged wiring
The wiring that connects the PTO contact, clutch, and engine can become loose or damaged over time.
If the wiring is loose or damaged, it may not be able to transfer energy properly, causing the engine to die when the PTO is engaged.
In this case, the wiring needs to be repaired or replaced. It’s possible that the seat switch is bad or that there’s a loose plug or a bad wire. The seat safety switch can be damaged or stuck.
Clogged air filter
The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the engine. When the filters become clogged with debris and dirt, they can restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing it to stall. In this case, the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. These are some of the common mechanical issues that can cause the mower engine to die when the PTO is engaged. If you are experiencing this issue, it is important to identify the underlying cause and take the necessary steps to fix it.
Faulty PTO Switch
There are a few signs that you may have a broken PTO switch. For example, when you engage the PTO contact, the knife edge may not turn on at all, or it may turn on but then quickly shut off. The switch is designed to shut the mower off when the blades are engaged, and the operator is not there. You can perform a few simple tests to diagnose a broken PTO contact.
First, could you check the wiring harness to ensure it is properly connected and not damaged? If the wiring harness is in good condition, you can use a multimeter to test the switch itself.
Set the meter to ohms and connect the internal contacts with each end. Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shocks. Then, remove the old switch by disconnecting the wiring harness and removing any mounting screws.
Release the locking tab with a slot screwdriver and lift the seat away from the bracket.
Rotate the switch and pull it out to inspect it. Install the new switch by reversing these steps and making sure that the wiring harness is connected correctly.
So, a broken PTO contact can cause a grass mower engine to die when the PTO is engaged.
Loose or Damaged Belt
A loose or damaged belt can cause the knife edge to stop turning, which can cause the engine to stall.
If the belt is loose, tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the belt is damaged, replace it with a new one. Then remove the belt protector from the drive pulley to examine belt routing.
Then check the pulleys for sticking and damage. To engage the blades, lift the lever. The blade brakes are released when you engage the deck lever.
Remove the blade deck first before replacing the pulleys. Next, grab the nut under the pulley with the appropriate size wrench. Remove the bolt on top of the pulley while doing so.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tightening the belt to ensure that it is not too tight or too loose. Remove the pins that support the deck at the back of the deck. Do it by lifting the belt over the pulley.
Impaired Air Filter
This happens because the engine is not getting enough air to mix with the fuel, which can cause the engine to stall. A dirty air filter can also cause other problems with your grassmower, such as reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your lawn mower’s air filter and air intake system can help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and reliably, even when the PTO is engaged.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Over time, the filter can become blocked with dirt, debris, and other contaminants, which can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. To begin, lower the deck to its lowest position.
Remove the pins that secure the PTO cable and the front deck attachment point. The spring can then be removed by pulling back on the cable.
If the fuel line is clear, I would then remove the fuel filter and check it for any signs of blocking. If the filter is dirty or clogged, I would replace it with a new one.
It is recommended to replace the fuel filter every 100 hours of operation or at least once a year. It is also important to use clean, high-quality fuel and to store it in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination.
Mechanical Issues That Lead to Engine Dying
When the PTO is engaged and the engine dies, it could be due to mechanical issues. In this section, I will discuss two common mechanical issues that can make the engine die.
Worn Out Clutch
Over time, the clutch can wear out, causing it to slip or not engage properly. This can make the engine die when the PTO is engaged.
To determine if the clutch is worn out, you can perform a visual inspection. Look for signs of wear or damage on the clutch assembly. If you notice any damage, it is best to replace the clutch assembly.
Damaged PTO Clutch
The PTO clutch is responsible for transferring energy from the engine to the mower knife edge. If the PTO clutch is damaged, it can make the engine die when the PTO is engaged.
To determine if the PTO clutch is damaged, you can perform a visual inspection. Look for signs of wear or damage on the PTO clutch assembly. If you notice any damage, it is best to replace the PTO clutch assembly.
How to Diagnose a Reasons Lawn Mower Engine Dies When PTO is Engaged
Here are some steps to help you diagnose the problem:
Faulty Wiring
One of the most common causes for a mower engine to die when the PTO is engaged is broken wiring. Check the wiring harness for any damaged or loose wires.
Bad Ignition Coil
If the ignition coil is broken, it won’t generate the spark necessary to keep the engine running. To test the ignition coil, use a multimeter to check the resistance between the spark plug boot and the ignition coil.
Check the owner’s manual for proper routing, and re-route if necessary. You will have to remove any spindle covers to complete this repair. It’s possible to spin the spindles by hand at this time.
Spin the idler pulleys on the mower deck with the blade brakes released. Replace the cup washer and nut and tighten them down. Reattach the mower deck by sliding it underneath the lawn tractor.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Engine Dying
Here are some measures that I follow to keep my grassmower running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your grass mower operates efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to avoid engine dying:
-
- Clean the air filter regularly to prevent clogging and ensure that the engine receives enough air.
-
- Check the oil level and change it regularly to ensure that the engine is adequately lubricated.
-
- Keep the fuel tank clean and use fresh fuel to prevent clogging or damage to the fuel connection.
-
- Check the spark plug regularly and replace it if necessary to ensure that the engine starts easily.
-
- Keep the knife edge sharp to prevent overloading of the engine.
Timely Repairs
Timely repairs are essential to ensure that your grassmower operates efficiently. Here are some repair tips to avoid engine dying:
-
- If you notice any unusual noise or vibration, stop using the grass mower immediately and check it for damage.
-
- If you notice any oil leaks, have them repaired immediately to prevent engine damage.
-
- If you notice any smoke or unusual exhaust smells, have the engine checked for damage.
-
- If you notice any problems with the PTO clutch, have it repaired immediately to prevent engine damage.
By following these preventive measures, you can ensure that your grass mower operates efficiently and avoid the engine failing when PTO is engaged.
Where do I find the PTO switch of the John Deere Mower?
The PTO contact is typically located on the dashboard of the mower, usually on the left side of the steering wheel. It is a small switch that you can lift to engage the knife edge and push down to disengage it.
It is important to note that different models of John Deere mowers may have slightly different locations for the PTO contact, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual if you are having trouble locating it.
Additionally, some models may have safety features that require you to be seated on the mower and have the brake engaged before you can engage the PTO contact.
If you have located the PTO contact and are still experiencing issues with your mower stalling when the PTO is engaged, it may be time to troubleshoot other potential causes, such as a broken belt or a malfunctioning electric clutch.
Consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a professional in the lawn care industry, I often get asked questions about PTO and why a grass mower engine fails when PTO is engaged. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about PTO.
What is PTO?
PTO stands for Power Take Off. It is a mechanism that transfers power from the engine of a vehicle to another mechanical device, such as a hydro volt or a JD. In the case of electric PTO, it runs on electricity. If the engine is running fine, but the PTO does not engage, it may have a bad connection or a faulty component. This can persist even when trying to mow the lawn, which would kill the power to the PTO. In some cases, the engine may shut off completely, which was my first thought when experiencing this issue.
Why does the engine fail when PTO is engaged?
One common reason is that the system is overloaded. This means that you are asking too much of your tractor’s engine.
Another reason is a broken air filter. A blocked air filter can restrict airflow into the engine, making it unable to combust and run.
Other reasons include problematic PTO, fuel issues, battery issues, and a poor charging system. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
How do I fix the problem of the engine failing when PTO is engaged?
If the issue is an overloaded system, try using fewer attachments at once or using lighter attachments. If the air filter is blocked, replace it with a new one.
If the problem is a broken PTO, get it repaired or replaced by a professional.
If the issue is fuel-related, check the fuel filter and clean or replace it if necessary. If the battery is dead, charge or replace it. If the charging system is broken, get it repaired or replaced.
How do I prevent the engine from failing when PTO is engaged?
First, make sure the voltage and throttle are at the correct levels. Additionally, check the fluid levels and make sure they are adequate. It may also be a good idea to check the seat switch and ensure it is properly functioning. If the engine still fails to run when the blades engage, it is possible that there may be a bad valve or a problem with the drive belt. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. Finally, a weak battery could also be a possible cause of engine failure. If the engine unexpectedly quits or the PTO causes it to shut down, it could be due to a faulty flywheel or a weak battery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why zero turn mower fails when PTO is engaged. These reasons include overloading the system, fuel issues, PTO clutch issues, battery issues, air filter issues, and a poor charging system.
Overall, it is important to regularly maintain and inspect your grass mower to prevent issues with the engine failing when PTO is engaged. By addressing these issues early on, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.
Hopefully through this article from J & R Tractor, everyone can easily take better care of their garden.
Read more:
How much does a yard of mulch weigh? will grass grow through mulch? Who makes Bad Boy Tractors? LS tractor problems and fixes them
