QuestionQUESTION: I have a mid-90's Dixon ZTR mower (sorry not sure what model # is/where to find this)... Anyways this machine runs great until you engage the mower deck, then it runs (mower deck and machine) for between 5-10 seconds and then everything stalls.... I thought it must be a faulty kill switch, so I started the machine, and then unplugged the seat kill switch- same thing happens. This machine does not have kill switches on the control arms. There is a kill switch on the emergency brake, but that too seems to be working ok- Any ideas? Am I off base w/ the kill switch? When it stalls, it's like it runs out of gas or spark- dies immediately, and it does not matter if the deck is cutting vegetation or if the machine is not moving - seems to be a consistent 5-10 secs and then she dies....
ANSWER: Hello Scott:
From your Description it Sounds like the Seat Safety Switch is Bad or if this has the Electric PTO, it May be the Stator is Not Charging Properly or the Voltage Regulator (if the Engine has One) is Bad. The Voltage Drop when the PTO is Engaged will Draw the Voltage from the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid and the Solenoid will Close and Shut Off the Gas to the Carburetor Jet and Shut Off the Engine. The Following is the Instruction File for Checking the Seat Safety Switch. **Check the Seat Safety Switch. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now; On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged.** What is the Battery Voltage when the PTO is NOT Engaged? What is the Battery Voltage when the PTO IS Engaged? When Engaged, if the Battery Voltage is Less than 10.5 VDC, then the Stator or Voltage Regulator is Bad. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks John for the great advice! I think you are on to something w/ the battery/voltage.... The seat safety switch was my first guess as well, but I unplugged it, and nothing changed. Here's the specs on the machine:
Dixon Mower- not sure of model # but serial # is: DM-36-15974
It has a 14HP Briggs Stratton engine: Model # 287707
I should have mentioned that if you turn on/off the mower deck repetitively (to prevent it from stalling)- it eventually kills the battery. I checked the voltage as you suggested- When The machine is running, voltage is ~12V, when I engage the mower deck it drops to ~11 (my voltage meter scale is a bit hard to read when bouncing around on the mower). I greatly appreciate the help!!!
AnswerHello Again Scott:
The Voltage Should Never Drop to Below 12.2 VDC with a Good Stator and Voltage Regulator. You Need to Check the PTO Itself and Make Sure it Does Not have a Bad Winding that is Drawing too Much Voltage and the Stator and Voltage Regulator. The Following is a PTO Test File I made. Any Input is Appreciated. **If you have an Ohmmeter, Disconnect the Wiring Harness from the Front of the Clutch and Check the Resistance of the Clutch. You should have around 4 or 5 OHMs. If at or near Zero, the Coil has Shorted.** Use this Site Addy to Assist you in Identifying the Correct Charging/Stator http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_id.pdf and Use this Site Addy for Testing/Checking the Charging System. http://faqs.custhelp.com/rnt/rnw/img/enduser/105-AC_DC_test_chart.jpg . You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
