Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere LX266 PTO Issue, old john deere, dashboard lights

Question
I have a four year old John Deere LX266 with 200 hours on it (Kolher 6FP). It was mowing fine today. I went over a small bump and the blades disengaged... just stopped rotating. Pressed and re-pulled the PTO, blades would not engage. Engine running fine but can’t get the blades started… PTO is not working. Shut tractor and attempted to restart. Now it won’t start at all. Seems the PTO is engaged and tractor won’t start. I thought I Detected a slight burning smell. Checked brake switch, doesn’t seem to be an issue. Seat shut off switch also not an issue. Headlights work. Turning ignition key causes idiot lights (oil and battery) to light up. Turning key produces an electrical noise… pulling the PTO out stops the noise, pressing it back in causes the noise to return. Dropped the deck but tractor still won’t start. Engine does not turn over at all. It seems either the PTO switch has gone bad or the PTO clutch has gone bad. I’m inclined to think it’s the PTO clutch since it happened as I went over a bump. Has the clutch gone bad or is there a possibility that the PTO clutch wire is shorting out? Does anyone have some trouble-shooting tips to determine what’s happening?
  
Causes I’m considering:
1 – PTO clutch wire not grounded or unplugged.
2 -  PTO clutch went bad
3 – PTO switch went bad.
3 – Fuse issues.

Not Considering:
1 – Battery or ignition switch issues… lights are working, dashboard lights work. Ignition produces lights and noise. Tractor ran after blades quit but would not restart after shutting off. Problem is associated with the start process (safety issues)?


Answer
Hello Bob:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. From your Description it Sounds like the PTO Switch Shorted. You are Saying the Safety System will Not Allow the Starter to Engage. If this is Correct, then it is the PTO Switch or a Blown Fuse. Check the Fuse, if OK, then Replace the PTO Switch. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John