L3200 Intermittent starting issue

[SouthernSky]

This is an annoyance and I feel I'm missing something basic (L3200-DT model) because it is not consistent, whether it is a cold start or a hot start.

I turn the key and attempt to start the engine and nothing happens except the normal dash lights. I have no reason to believe this is a battery issue, starter or alternator issue but I believe it to be a switch issue.

I can be standing beside the tractor and can start it so it is likely not a clutch pedal or seat switch issue. Normally as long as I'm out of gear and in neutral it will start. If it doesn't, I shake the gear levers a few times and try again with the key. Sometimes it starts right away, other times I may have to try it for 5-10 minutes of shaking around the gear levers to make sure all is neutral before it finally turns over.

I also engage and disengage the PTO lever as that seems to be a common issue with starting according to this forum. All seems solidly normal and I've checked underneath for obstructions or stiffness.

I checked the WSM (Chapter 9) but haven't nailed it down to why it does this. Any ideas are appreciated!

 

[chim]

Not familiar with the geared L3200. Mine was an HST. Mine did the "iffy start" thing and I traced it to the HST safety switch. I doubt it had 20 hours on it at that time. After adjusting the switch it never acted up again.

It sounds like yours doesn't believe the gearshift is in neutral Wild guess that you have a switch or sensor that needs tweaking or replaced.

 

[SouthernSky]

I looked at the linkage underneath as well mechanical range of motion and all appear normal.