Cub Cadet 782 PTO Not Working

[Reed Mitrowski]

Hello everyone, the PTO on my 782 began working intermittently in the late summer, then not at all in the fall. I would like to figure out the issue and if needed replace the pto so I can still mow or rototill with it. Here is what I have tries so far; bypassing the seat switch, replacing the pto switch. Neither one fixed the problem. I am wondering if the next step should be to remove it from the front of the tractor and test or inspect it? How often do they fail? This could very well be original. Finally, how expensive are they to replace? Thank you for your help!

[R Bedell]

There are 2 different Wiring Diagrams for the 782. It depends on the Chassis Serial Number range.

Either way....AS A TEST....you can Temporarily run a Jumper Wire from the Battery Positive (+) terminal to the PTO wiring connector. This rules out any and all devices and wiring from the 12V source to the PTO.

If the PTO still cuts out by doing the above, then you have a bad PTO.

IF the PTO remains solid in function, then there is a wiring or device problem.

This is taking into consideration, that there is a good Ground Connection between the Battery Negative Terminal (-) and the Engine Block.

Let us know what you find.

[Gompers]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

There are 2 different Wiring Diagrams for the 782. It depends on the Chassis Serial Number range.

Either way....AS A TEST....you can Temporarily run a Jumper Wire from the Battery Positive (+) terminal to the PTO wiring connector. This rules out any and all devices and wiring from the 12V source to the PTO.

If the PTO still cuts out by doing the above, then you have a bad PTO.

IF the PTO remains solid in function, then there is a wiring or device problem.

This is taking into consideration, that there is a good Ground Connection between the Battery Negative Terminal (-) and the Engine Block.

Let us know what you find.

Good stuff here.

Basic stuff, but have you checked the fuse? If it's blown, you likely have some other problem to troubleshoot as well (bad ground, or maybe a shorted field coil or something), but that will kill your PTO for sure.

A new PTO is kinda spendy (north of $200 usually), but good used ones are usually $75-$125.

[ol'George]

And after all that, you just might want to adjust the air gap as described in the manual.
( 50% of the time, that is the problem)
If the gap is too wide, the electromagnet will not be able to engage the clutch.
And it starts intermittently just like you describe.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by ol'George

And after all that, you just might want to adjust the air gap as described in the manual.
( 50% of the time, that is the problem)
If the gap is too wide, the electromagnet will not be able to engage the clutch.
And it starts intermittently just like you describe.

What George said!

[Mr Bob]

I am with George. My Simplicity had the same symptoms last year as yours'. George said to adjust the air gap, I did, and it is still working just fine. Hope that is all it is. Have a great day.
Bob