Can I start my L3710 Without the Key?

[Mr Haney]

I still have not fixed my L3710, which sometimes will not start. It looks like the HST safety switch is hinky. We have had three storms plus a long trip, so I have not sent the tractor to the dealer yet.

Now that Milton has passed, I have to start the tractor one way or the other so I can get trees and limbs out of the yard. Knowing the local dealer it would probably take a month to get the tractor fixed.

Can I get away with shorting the starter? I've never done it. I don't want to damage anything.

I don't know how to do it, but I guess I can figure it out.

 

[N3BP]

Applying 12+V at the starter solenoid terminal will cause it to spin the starter. You may need to find a way to keep the fuel solenoid in the run position or it may not fire up. If your finicky switch acts up on you, it might cause the fuel solenoid to shut the pump down, hence a need to mechanically keep it open.

 

[Henro]

I think if you turn the key to the run position, and then jump the 12 volts from the starter lug, to where the wire connects from the safety circuit to activate the solenoid, that you should be fine.

BUT you MUST make sure the brake is set, the tractor is in neutral, and that you can get out of the way quickly if the tractor should move when you do this...

 

[Mr Haney]

Thanks. I will try not to run over myself.

 

[Russell King]

Since you are in the South you may not need the glow plugs to get the tractor started but if you do need them make sure you get the glow plugs warm, set key to run and then get it cranking all in fairly quick order or the glow plugs cool off.

I know on my tractor the crank position also powers the glow plugs so that is being bypassed in this situation.

See this thread post 9 and 10 for pictures and explanation of the bypass key operation

G2160 won't start

Hi, First off, I don't have much experience with mechanical/electrical machines. So am feeling pretty lost here. There's been start issues with this mower for a few years. I hear a click after the glow plug comes on and I turn the key, but the engine rarely started on the first try. Couple...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[Mr Haney]

I got it to run today by moving the HST pedal extremely slowly until it caught. That was a relief, because I need to get rid of three trees.

I looked at the starter, and it appears to be extremely difficult to get to it to hotwire the tractor. I plan to move the trees and then bring in the dealer.

 

[whitetiger]

I got it to run today by moving the HST pedal extremely slowly until it caught. That was a relief, because I need to get rid of three trees.

I looked at the starter, and it appears to be extremely difficult to get to it to hotwire the tractor. I plan to move the trees and then bring in the dealer.

Why have you not replaced the HST pedal safety switch?

 

[Mr Haney]

They built the tractor around it.

I worked on it for weeks, and then I was out of the country. Came back with coronavirus, and then we had two hurricanes. The dealer is welcome to do the work.

 

[whitetiger]

They built the tractor around it.

I worked on it for weeks, and then I was out of the country. Came back with coronavirus, and then we had two hurricanes. The dealer is welcome to do the work.

Do you realize an opening beneath the HST pedal exists to access it?
I replaced one a couple of weeks ago, and it took about 10 minutes.

 

[Mr Haney]

I have not seen anything like that, but I would love to hear about it. You're sure you're talking about an L3710? I have seen how easy it is to change this switch on other models.

 

[whitetiger]

Yes, I am sure it was as L3710 Kubota. The opening with the linkage connecting to the pedal is a slot. You just remove the nut from the tie rod end at the pedal, and remove the 2 bolts that hold the pedal to the floor. This uncovers the opening.
From under the tractor using a 19mm or 3/4" wrench you break the lock nut on the switch loose.
The switch has an approx 6" long pigtail with a connector, disconnect it.
Reach into the opening through the floor to unscrew the switch. Reverse the procedure to install the new switch.
Screw the new switch in about where the old switch was, plug the wiring together, and see if the engine cranks. Keep screwing it in until the engine cranks, turn in an extra 1 1/2 turns. Lock the jam nut. Unplug the wiring and untwist it.

 

[Mr Haney]

I have been asking for help with this thing for weeks, here and elsewhere. I got no end of wrong information from people who tried to help. They couldn't even agree on whether the switch existed.

If it's really this easy, I owe you. Thanks.

 

[Mr Haney]

You make it sound like it may be possible to adjust the old switch.

You wouldn't happen to have a part number would you?

 

[N3BP]

I was out looking at mine (the one I said never existed, ha). It does appear you can adjust the seating depth of the switch to some degree. Once you loosen the lock nut, it appears you can rotate the switch body to bring it in, or back it out. The only way to tell if it's seated at the correct depth would be to use an ohm meter. Yours is mostly likely shot and seated correctly.

Regarding the replacement switch, Messicks is saying it's dependent on serial number, so you'll need to have that handy when speaking with a parts tech. What I would do in the meantime to get you by is unplug the switch, cut the wires right where they enter the switch, splice them together, and plug it back into the harness. This will omit the switch from the starting circuit.

 

[Mr Haney]

Unless I'm looking at the wrong thing, I bypassed that switch, and the tractor still would not start. I suppose I could have done it wrong.

I will probably start a fight, but this switch seems unnecessary. Who is going to start a tractor with his foot on the pedal? Lawyers ruin everything. I should burn my law school diploma.

My yard tractor has a seat switch, and it's an abomination. Bypassed it a long time ago. I hated it.

 

[D2Cat]

On my main tractor I don't need the HST peddle messed with, but I have to have the clutch peddle fully depressed!

 

[whitetiger]

I bypassed that switch, and the tractor still would not start

If you have this switch bypassed, moving the HST pedal does not affect whether the starter engages or not.

 

[Mr Haney]

I bypassed it back when I was trying to figure out what was wrong, but I connected it again.

Today and yesterday I got a lot of work done, so it looks like I can use the tractor until I get a new switch.

I have put off burning yard debris for months. When it finally goes up, it will be visible from space.

 

[Mr Haney]

Messick's confirms that TA240-53900 is the right part for my tractor (SN 7++++).

I'm going to try to bypass the switch properly before getting a new one. I can't convince myself this switch is anything but a liability.