L3301 won't start

[random]

Hello, all - just found this forum while looking for info on my problem, hoping someone can help!

The problem is: my L3301 (HST) won't crank. Power goes on but when I turn the key to start, nothing happens. No clicks, nothing. It stopped suddenly when I got off.

I had the problem before and had it repaired. They cleaned a switch, I don't remember which one, and things started working again. But at this point I would really rather fix it myself than have to pay for the hauling and repair again - pretty sure it's fairly simple, if I can diagnose the problem.

I'm pretty sure it's related to the PTO safety, given how it stopped. Just to get things working, I've currently bypassed the PTO switch by connecting the leads directly. Still nothing happening. I've tried doing the same with the under-seat switch in various combinations (it has 3 wires and don't see any voltage to any of them when cranking, so not sure which ones the switch connects). No luck with any of this. I suspect there's another part of this system that I don't know about.

My thinking is that if I can determine what part is bad, I can get a replacement, but so far I can't figure out what's failing. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Roadworthy]

If it was my tractor I'd start with the battery. I'd have it load tested to be sure it could hold a charge. Next I'd clean the battery terminals and the connectors that go onto them. After replacing the connectors I'd tighten them securely. As a final step I'd follow the ground lead to the frame giving it a good cleaning and tightening there, too. From that point I'd start the actual troubleshooting.

 

[85Hokie]

Check you PTO selector - if that gets bumped then it will not start, On my BIL B2920 - we had a dead stick and he about panicked..... moved the PTO back and forth and it fired right up.

Bounce a bit on the seat as you turn the key - see if that makes any difference at all too.

 

[random]

Battery is new (less than a month), all the connections were cleaned when it was installed. Keep in mind that it was running and shut off when I got up - exactly like it should do if the PTO is engaged.

"Check you PTO selector" - That's the switch I'm bypassing. It IS set correctly and I've confirmed that it works (continuity test), but for the moment I have disconnected the switch and directly shorted the wires together (which is what the switch does when it's in PTO disengaged). I've toggled the seat switch in all directions too.

 

[85Hokie]

OK on the PTO

try this?

 

[random]

Seat switch yes, HST no - I'll give that a try next, thanks!

 

[random]

I knew there had to be another part of the system I didn't know about - it was the HST switch! Thanks for the help!

 

[baronetm]

I knew there had to be another part of the system I didn't know about - it was the HST switch! Thanks for the help!

I have a L3901 that experiences the same issue from time to time. Originally the issue repeated it-self daily, the dealer found the HST switch mounted incorrectly from the factory. The switch has been replaced but the issue rears its head occasionally. The dealer originally advised to wobble the HST treadle while attempting to crank the engine since it had stopped in the end of my driveway, this always works, all repairs were after this incident.

It appears to me that while dismounting the tractor while it is running, I may hit the treadle with my foot and this shuts the engine down since I am not in the seat. The tractor gets a signal from the treadle to move and without the seat switch activated the tractor shuts down, a safety feature. Because I have moved the treadle and it’s not in the neutral position when attempting to restart, no clicking or cranking, hence the need to wobble the treadle to find the neutral position while attempting to cranking the engine.

I keep the pedal linkage well- greased with Molly grease and it appears to me that it happens more in cold weather.

 

[cliffboyer]

I zip-tied seat switch down. I need to stand while positioning loader forks. Obviously only done at very low speeds.