2186 PTO not engaging ?
 

I've had some problems in past with not engaging all the way when real hot, but always works when cool. You could still hear it trying to engage even when hot.
Was working when parked, now nothing. It's like no power going to pto. I did just notice when o turn key off, it's not wanting to shut off unless I jiggle it. I'll be checking voltage tomorrow to see if power is coming from switch. Could this also possably be something with one of the saggy switches too? I was mowing very heavy grass with deck clogging last mow. I'll be cleaning that out too.
Also can you jump 12dc from battery to pto to see if it pulls in?

In one word,yes

Any ideas about the key switch not shutting engine off without jiggling have anything to do with it? It's never done that before. Or maybe just s coincidence

I had some trouble keeping my pto engaged on my 1863 and got a dizzy trying to follow the lines on the wiring diagram. On the PTO switch I understand that OFF connects C and D terminals for the engine start circuit. ON connects B and A to run the PTO but what is the function of the F terminal used in START. Should the F terminal have 12 volts on it all the time to keep the PTO engaged or nothing after it gets going. I'm not even sure this is relevant to the thread.
Cannon

I think it could be relevant. If the voltage is not there, potentientally the problem is somewhere upstream. May be as simple as a blown fuse?. My first order of business today is to check and jump voltage to the pto wire disconnected. Once fixed I'll be taking the 54" deck off and putting the 48" back on to get into tight places the 60" can't get to.

I have been chasing a no start when hot issue. Measured voltage at starter and would be different cold to hot but not consistent. Cleaned connection at key switch, brake interlock switch, PTO switch with little change in cold/hot response. I found by operating brake switch and/or PTO switch when a no starter spin, the starter would then operate. I now have replaced the brake switch and am watching the PTO switch. Short answer, the switches are failing internally. Check voltage at PTO. Should be battery voltage when PTO is on. If not the same voltage cold to hot, suspect wiring connections and/or switches.

Your post reminds me that I did bypass the reverse pto connection by cutting and shorting the connection so I could mow in reverse. I don't think that'll have anything to do with it, but I'll check that too. Well... Time to get to work. I'll let you know what I find.

Blown 25 amp fuse :)

It's always the simple things... But when fixed they sure are satisfying!

Congrats. Too easy. There will be more challenges.