Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): toro 265H tractor won, solenoid switch, safety switches

Question
QUESTION: Hi, While cutting the grass I shut the tractor off to change the bag. When I tried to restart the engine the starter began to engage then stopped. I checked the battery and it's good. There's power to what I think is the solenoid but nothing going to the starter. There is no power to the headlights or panel lights. I bought this tractor at the beginning of summer( approx. 10 yrs. old)and haven't had any problems until now. Hope you can help. Thanks, Dave

ANSWER: Is there any safety switches on the bagger frame?  Did you check the fuse?


The mower model number is located on a sticker usually under the seat or fenders.  Also check under the dash.  Can you send me the 5-6 diget model number so I can look up the wireing diagram?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eric, thanks for the reply. All the fuses are good. There is no bagger switch but there is a safety switch in the seat. The model no. is 72046. Dave

Answer
Service manual can be found via the link below.  Downloaded for free. Suggest you copy to CD or print for future reference.


https://homeownersolutions.toro.com/portal/server.pt?space=CommunityPage&cached=true&parentname=CommunityPage&parentid=1&in_hi_userid=19462&control=SetCommunity&CommunityID=214&PageID=238#manualsResultPage

Good manual.  I usually start troubling shooting by checking the small wire on the solenoid.  WIth the all the mower controls in the start position, and the key is in the start position, the exciter wire on the solenoid should have 12 volts DC.  If no voltage is present then a safety switch is usually the problem.  Next I head to the key switch and check for 12 volts DC going in and coming out to the solenoid switch.  If no power, then start tracing back to each switch, checking for power going in and out.  The switch with no power coming out is the bad switch but you should check the switch for continunity as well.  Most of the time I find dirty contact or a physically broke mount.  Safety switches are simply devices and rarely fail themselfs.  Mounting posts break, wires get short to ground ect.  Make sure you carefully inspect the wiring, especially when the wires run through holes or run behind another part.  Most of the time this is where the wire insulation is wore through.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric