PTO quit working

CoreyF · #1 12-24-2023, 05:04 PM

My Cadet has the PTO lever just to the right of the seat. I tried to engage the lever and the blades did turn for about 2 seconds and then it quit. So far, I can't find any info anywhere on where to check for the problem. My specs are in my signature here. Coincidentally, I had just completed replacing my carburetor just before it quit, and all works fine except no PTO now to turn the blades. The PTO lever has no tension at all when I move it, and nothing happens at all. Does anyone have the steps and maybe some pics since I'm not familiar with what to look at.

Ozcubowner · #2 12-24-2023, 05:43 PM

Up in the header there is a yellow block that says "Cub Cadet parts and service look-up"
Try that for the info you are after
Oz

ironman · #3 12-25-2023, 08:37 AM

Your mechanical PTO handle operates a lever down on your deck via a cable. The cable is attached to the deck and hooked to a spring.
When you move the PTO handle to "engage", it pulls the cable and spring which tightens the deck belt mechanism to engage the blades.
Obviously some mechanical aspect of the process is amiss. YOU have to look at it, operate it, and figure it out.
Since you have no tension you could have a broken cable, a broken spring, a broken belt, or something came loose or disconnected.

CoreyF · #4 12-25-2023, 09:50 AM

Yes, I was thinking a broken cable too but wasn't sure where it attached to the lever exactly so I'm thinking I may be able to access to see what's going on if I remove the battery hardware to look inside. The first thing I looked at was the belt but it is fine and practically brand new.

ironman · #5 12-25-2023, 11:26 AM

Should look something like this...

CoreyF · #6 12-25-2023, 12:30 PM

Yes, I found the cable had broken about 1 1/2 hours ago and have been trying ever since then trying to figure out how to remove the small threaded screw that attaches the cable to the lever handle which is up under the rear yellow shroud. I can access it after removing the battery and battery holder but there's no room at all to get any type of wrench on this screw to remove it. I thought about jacking the machine up and coming from underneath but there's too many other parts in the way to get from underneath either. Maybe I need to try a ratcheting box end wrench which I do not have. I think it should be a 3/8" size wrench for this 1/4-20 screw but I can't access it to tell. Any other thoughts?

evhevh · #7 12-26-2023, 06:16 AM

That screw is a pain to remove. I just parted out a 2021 XT1 LT42 and removing that screw was a pain, even with all the parts I had already removed.

If I remember correctly, I had to pry the piece of metal the screw screws into forward to try and make enough room to get a wrench on it to remove the screw. Give that a shot.

ol'George · #8 12-26-2023, 07:55 AM

!/4-20's usually have 7/16" hex hd.

CoreyF · #9 12-30-2023, 06:43 PM

So, I received the correct PTO cable today and installing it is difficult for sure especially attaching it at the PTO lever. I installed it starting at the PTO lever and worked my way to the deck. I'm having a hard time attaching the spring onto the pulley bracket. I have tried all kinds of ways to get it into the bracket hole with no luck. I have no room to bend the spring at all in order to insert the spring end hook and I've also moved the pulley to enable me to have the spring closer to the hole in the bracket. I think I'm going to have to loosen the belt and also move the entire deck toward the rear of the mower a little. I can't figure an easier way so far, but I think there would be a better way. Does anyone have a tip? I plan on removing the belt keeper out of the way first thinking tomorrow so I will then have some room to manipulate the spring better.

Also, the wrench size for the screw that attaches the cable to the lever is 3/8" (or 10 mm). I used a ratcheting box end flex head combo wrench. This sure is a pain when trying to attach the new cable end.

evhevh · #10 12-31-2023, 06:48 AM

Yes, I had to use a ratcheting box end for the screw that attached the cable to the lever.

Yes, it is tough to attach the spring to the bracket on the deck. If memory serves, I squeezed the deck mechanism (like engaging the cable) and was able to attach it. I pulled up on the area where it attaches. I think is was also open end down (so the 'point' of the spring end (shaped like the letter U) is pointed down. Hope that helps.