QuestionQUESTION: I have a Gravely Promaster 260Z (model 992029 25hp - 60")in my shop with a safety interlock problem. When the engine is running, the PTO disengaged and the parking brake set, the operator cannot get out of the seat without killing the engine. I have been dealing with this machine since it was new - three years ago and it only started doing this in the past year. The operator's manual states " Engine must shut off if the operator attempts to leave the seat with the transmission engaged, parking brake disengaged or PTO engaged." I have isolated and tested each safety switch - in the seat and the parking brake as well as making sure that the transmission is properly adjusted in neutral. The only thing I can think of is a problem with the seat/PTO relay, but I'm really not an electrical wizard so I could use some advice. Thanks, Jim
ANSWER: Well Jim, I am an electrical wizard. Unfortunately the wiring diagram that is in the Gravely manual pretty well sucks!.
It doesn't show whether the safeties are normally open or normally closed. Test the switches both ways. First with a jumper wire (closed). Then test them unplugged (open).
The wiring diagram doesn't show which way is norma, but they are the same.
After trying both ways if it still doesn't work right, I'm guessing not replace the PTO seat relay, part number 040216.
Good luck
Here is a wiring diagram for you.
http://apache.ariens.com/manuals/09254300A.pdf
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QUESTION: Paul - went back and double checked all the switches, they all seem to work. Ordered a relay from Gravely for the seat/PTO and tried that - still no luck, the instant you raise up out of the seat, the engine dies. I know that this is more of an inconvenience problem, at least the safeties are working, but it sure is maddening that I can't figure this problem out. Any other ideas that I can try? Thanks, Jim
ANSWER: Do you have a two cylinder Kawasaki engine with a vertical crankshaft. If you do you can go to a John Deere Dealer and buy a TDC module for a "345" It will wire directly into your engines wiring harness. It will wire in right buy the 8 pin plug going from the engine harness to the tractor harness. Just match the wire colors. Yellow in yellow out etc.
This is an option that Kawasaki provides to manufacturers who want it. Gravely was to tight to spend the 9.00 per engine for this option. That's one more thing about a Deere, They spend the money on this option. You pay for it but your engine doesn't die every time you hit a bump. TDC stands for "Time Delay Control" it's job is to wait about 1.5 seconds to shut the engine off when you hit a bump.
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QUESTION: I'm not having a bump shut down problem - mine is that the operator can't leave the seat when stopped, the PTO disengaged and the parking brake set without killing the engine. I had no problem with this for two years and now here it is. I've tested and retested the seat safety, the brake safety and the PTO switch and replaced the seat/PTO relay all without any luck. I am out of ideas. Jim
AnswerIt almost has to be a brake safety. Does the engine die when you move the direction levers with the brake locked? If not it could be a lever switch instead of a brake switch.
My suggestion to you is buy some 32oz. Buds so you don't have to get out of the seat so often!
