I had some of the same issues on my 1872 and here is what I found. May help you. The PO had never adjusted the gap on the pto. That is probably why you have to hold it. Either that or it's because of one of the safety switches that were bypassed. Always a good idea to check the PTO gap. If it is too wide it will draw excess current. This will make the connectors at the PTO switch, ignition switch, and the PTO relay get hot and melt along with the PTO relay itself. I had to replace all of this on my tractor.

I'd start by setting the PTO gap. Then I would look up the wiring diagram and check that each and every safety switch is working or PROPERLY bypassed(not recommended). Some switches are normnally open and some are normally closed. Then move on to checking and cleaning the wiring connectors and grounds.

Beautiful tractor!

The PO may have had the brake safety switch unhooked for that reason. It may be keeping the motor from starting if the switch is bad. If so I would replace the switch. And also as stated the PTO switch has a safety included to not allow the motor to start if the switch were to be in the engaged position. You will probably need to replace the PTO switch with a new one. As said our sponsors should have what you need. And these diesels are notorious for hard starting with the small garden tractor batteries, but it can be done. You need to find the largest CCA battery and put it in there. Also there is a glow plug upgrade that can be done to help cut down on the draw from the battery and also as mentioned, there is a high torque starter that can be upgraded to, with a bit of work. The only mod I have on my BRS is the glow plug mod and heavy gauge wires for the ground from the battery and for the positive wires. Factory size is just a bit small. I'll see if I can round up the starter and glow plug mod write ups for you. Even with these few things that need attention, you got an "awesome" Cub. Way to go. :beerchug:

My 2182 had the exact PTO problem. It was a bad seat safty switch. The PTO is designed to shut off if you get off of the seat. I'd check that . Great CUB! KayakDon

OH... welcome to the OCC Smoker's Club. :beerchug:

Oh yeah!:beerchug:

Congrats on a sweet smoker for a good price! everyone has given you some good info to get you started. Keep us posted!

Went home at lunch and checked it out. The PTO switch was on! Turned it off and she fired right up. Drove it around the yard for 10 minutes for fun!

Awesome news!

Did you get that tractor in Georgia? If so.....:bash2:

That's awesome!

Awesome looking diesel, my favorite. Welcome to the Smoker club