L3800 PTO Don't Shut Off

[RobD70]

Last week while using my L3800, I pushed in the clutch and went to turn the PTO off, but when I let the clutch out, it stayed on. I moved the lever back and forth and it went off. Then it got to where it wouldnt shut off at all, but would just all of a sudden go off later on. Same thing happened today....it just wouldnt go off......then without warning, it turned itself off while doing something else. PTO lever was in the off position each time it turns off. Could this be an electric switch? Or something else. I will br bringing this up to my salesman Monday. I forgot or I would have today as I was by the dealer doing some landscaping work for them.

Thanks

Rob

 

[85Hokie]

Last week while using my L3800, I pushed in the clutch and went to turn the PTO off, but when I let the clutch out, it stayed on. I moved the lever back and forth and it went off. Then it got to where it wouldnt shut off at all, but would just all of a sudden go off later on. Same thing happened today....it just wouldnt go off......then without warning, it turned itself off while doing something else. PTO lever was in the off position each time it turns off. Could this be an electric switch? Or something else. I will br bringing this up to my salesman Monday. I forgot or I would have today as I was by the dealer doing some landscaping work for them.

Thanks

Rob

Sounds like a linkage problem? But that is a guess, and would see the dealer ASAP......not something you want coming on at the wrong time.

 

[gpreuss]

Sounds like linkage to me too. Follow the hand lever until it goes into the transmission case, and look for anything loose or bent.

 

[whitetiger]

Follow the cable from the PTO lever forward to the shaft. There is a spring wound around the shaft next to the housing that is not twisting the shaft back. They get moisture and or dirt between the shaft and casing. Spray a good penetrate on the shaft and housing to keep it from binding.
Works almost every time.
Don't waste your time taking a service problem to the sales department, kind of like trying to teach a pig to sing....wastes your time and annoys the pig.

 

[RobD70]

Follow the cable from the PTO lever forward to the shaft. There is a spring wound around the shaft next to the housing that is not twisting the shaft back. They get moisture and or dirt between the shaft and casing. Spray a good penetrate on the shaft and housing to keep it from binding.
Works almost every time.
Don't waste your time taking a service problem to the sales department, kind of like trying to teach a pig to sing....wastes your time and annoys the pig.

At first I could not find a place to spray that looked like it would help. Everything looks tight like nothing would seep in anyhow. I have a can of spray lube and sprayed it all over where that spring and end of the shaft is. Gotta watch out when your laying under the tractor for what you spray to drip back down. At least I know enough not to jerk my head in an area where there isnt much room. Anyhow, I started the tractor up and the PTO switch seems to work now. Thanks alot, the help is appreciated.

 

[Bluegill]

I guess it's a HST model with pto cable? My L3800 gear drive has the pto leaver right at the trans (no cable) and it's either engaged or not.

 

[kc8fbl]

I guess it's a HST model with pto cable? My L3800 gear drive has the pto leaver right at the trans (no cable) and it's either engaged or not.

That must be. On my L3200 HST, the PTO engagement is on the right hand fender.

 

[Holcombshaven]

Follow the cable from the PTO lever forward to the shaft. There is a spring wound around the shaft next to the housing that is not twisting the shaft back. They get moisture and or dirt between the shaft and casing. Spray a good penetrate on the shaft and housing to keep it from binding.
Works almost every time.
Don't waste your time taking a service problem to the sales department, kind of like trying to teach a pig to sing....wastes your time and annoys the pig.

Is there a heavier duty cable available for the PTO. I replaced the cable on my L3800 that was kinked at the upper boot near the lever. Seems to me the new cable will do this again eventually.

 

[kellysails]

I know this thread is very old but I just spent 2 hours dealing with the same issue yesterday. Solved it!

L3800 HST

As previous poster noted, it is indeed the issue that gunk piles up on the return spring. The easiest way to get to the return spring is to remove the sheet metal over the drive train, the horizontal piece. Only 5 easy to get to bolts. You will then have clear view of the spring. I sprayed in half a can of WD40 to clean it out. Worked like a champ. I also sprayed the spring by lifting up the seat and also spray from below. Clearly the best angle is from inside the cab once you remove the sheet metal.

I sprayed the spring then pushed in the clutch (motor off) and moved the engagement handle back an forth about 25 times. I really worked. Also to note, if the tension on the cable is too tight it seems to engage the ignition interlock every time you move the lever to engage, wtf? I really hate this setup.

This cable lash up is really ridiculous. The number of 4 letter words coming out had to be muted 'cause the grandkids were hovering, I was pissed though.

 

[24tex24]

I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to say this is the beauty of historical threads. I just encountered the same issue on my L3800 and was able to search the forums, find the issue and potential solution and voila! it's fixed. My PTO retraction spring (my name for it) had seized up. Little penetrating oil and some lubrication was all it took. Saved me some coin from having to take it for service.

 

[Dave_eng]

I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to say this is the beauty of historical threads. I just encountered the same issue on my L3800 and was able to search the forums, find the issue and potential solution and voila! it's fixed. My PTO retraction spring (my name for it) had seized up. Little penetrating oil and some lubrication was all it took. Saved me some coin from having to take it for service.

Be certain to thank Whitetiger. We all benefit from his expert knowledge.
Dave