B2601 PTO clutch lever won't budge

[TrtrRookie]

Hi All, new poster here.

Issue: I tried to use my rear PTO for the first time this year, and the PTO clutch lever absolutely will not budge to engage the PTO.

Details: I have a 2017 B2601 with only 152 hrs on it. These have a mid and rear PTO. The PTO selection, PTO engage, and tractor gear selection are all controlled by levers on the operator's left. They all pivot off a common tie rod point to control their individual linkage. I haven't used the PTO since last fall (to run my shredder). I NEED to use it NOW to run my auger and then my shredder. I did replace the seat last month with an after market version. However, I verified this seat does engage the operator present switch when I am on the tractor So far I have tried:

- the tractor starts, runs, and the hydraulics work - FEL operation and 3-pt hitch operation
- verified both safety switches on the seat have proper voltage on the leads and have ~0 ohms resistance when depressed
- changing the PTO selector to all 3 options - mid / both / rear
- using a PTO drive shaft to rotate the tractor PTO shaft slightly to get the internal gear in different positions
- changing the tractor gear selection (since it is on same tie point)
- WD40 on the tie point (try anything)

I am at a loss for what to try next. Hoping it is something simple I am missing. I am not aware of any electrical or mechanical lock out that would keep the lever from operating.

 

[Caden]

I don't really have a solution or you, but here're my thoughts so far.

I doubt that the seat safety is an issue if you can't move the lever. The switch would just kill engine I think.

My next consideration is internal gear misalignment. But if this was the case, it seems like your resistance would be on the selector lever rather than the engagement lever. Aside from that it seems like you already troubleshooted this lead.


So this brings me back to physical seizure of the lever - could be rust on the pivot - on the B2602 I'm pretty sure the engagement lever is connected to a hydraulic valve as opposed to physically moving any internal collars and such.

So if it were me I'd try some more oil, maybe a little heat, and some tapping with a brass hammer. Also, if someone can work the lever from the top while you watch form the bottom, you might could get a little better idea what is flexing and where your seizure is.

This diagram may be of help.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Check and lube these points, WD40 is not a good lube.

 

[TrtrRookie]

Thanks, guys.

Caden: I did try tapping the collar and the linkage where it connects to rod 030. It is difficult to get down in there so the tapping wasn't the best.

NIW: Agreed WD40 is not a good lube. That was just the only thing I had to get down there easily. I'll see if I am able to remove all 3 levers and properly lube the collars+rod.

 

[Steve67]

I had not used my rear pto for a couple of years and was having the same issue of lever not moving. I sprayed all connections with wd40 then just kept working the lever back and forth and it finally came unstuck. I do agree wd40 is not the best lubrican but in this case it worked

 

[TrtrRookie]

One problem solved, only to now have a much worse problem.

I followed the suggestions to just keep trying the lever to break it free - sprayed white lithium grease on the collar edges, jiggled back and forth, tapped various directions with hammer/bar. Eventually I was able move the lever the full travel length. I moved it back and forth between positions until it felt smooth. Then I jumped on the tractor all excited to get working on projects, turned the key and.....nothing. Argh#%$*&!

So apparently the tractor now thinks the lever is stuck in the "engage" position. I moved the lever back and forth many times. I confirmed the linkage is pivoting the tab on the Fig. J470XX box in the diagram. I tried disconnecting the battery for a while, but I just have a dead tractor.

 

[Caden]

I think the pto safety switch for that model is external to the transmission so you should be able to find it to test it somewhere under the fender

 

[whitetiger]

Both of the PTO safety switches are on the LH side of the trans-axle assembly.

 

[TrtrRookie]

update - all issues resolved! Thanks for the responses and suggestions.

After considerable more time operating the clutch lever, jiggling the linkage arms, and letting the tractor sit, it eventually started again. The rear PTO engages and operates fine.