Tractor Repair: starter problem, variable displacement pump, clutch pedal

Question
My 2955 John Deere will not start without jumping it from the solenoid, then it will crank. We have also had to repair the starter twice in a period of two years. Someone commented on the hydraulic pump causing the problem. Is this possible?

Answer
Hello,

  If the starter just clicks when you try to start it, then either the solenoid is weak or there is low amperage getting to the terminal that energizes the solenoid from the key switch.  If it doesn't do anything, then either a safety switch is bad (neutral switch, clutch pedal switch, pto switch, etc) or there is a bad connection in the wiring.

  The hydraulics should have nothing to do with the starter problems.
The old John Deeres from 30-40 years ago had a closed center hydraulic system that built up high pressure as the engine was being cranked over, making it hard to start and putting extra strain on the starter.  Modern tractors still have a closed center hydraulic system, but have load sensing and a variable displacement pump so it only builds high pressure on demand and is not on high pressure all the time like the old system.

                               Arnie