Cub Cadet 2284 won't start!

[bugeye]

I have been dealing with an intermittent start with my 1864, 18 hp Kohler Command. By moving the wiring harness plug on the starter switch while turning the key to the start position, the starter would spin the engine to start normally.

Yesterday, with some warmer weather in Pennsylvania, I finally removed the starter switch and plug for cleaning. Nothing looked burned or signs of arcing. I did give the female spade terminals a bit more compression and assured the individual connectors were fully seated on the starter switch. Fingers crossed no more dead start attempts.

[Golfnuts]

Originally Posted by IH982D

golfnuts

Of the few 2000-3000 series tractors I've been around, they all seem to require a heavy foot on the brake pedal to engage the start safety switch.

Drove me nuts trying to start my 3206 the first time.
Depress the brake pedal all the way, then push it a little more.

MTD put the switch all the way to the bottom of the pedal travel, and if your brakes are well adjusted or seldom used, it takes some effort.






Mike

Thanks Mike. I will check that out also.

[IH982D]

Sorry 'bout that golfnut.
I re-read your first post and realized you have a Cyclops SGT.

Around here, 2284's are rare enough the model number didn't register with me.
I was thinking the later MTD 2000 series.

The Cyclops tractors aren't really all that different from your 82 series stuff.
I think everyone is correct on looking at the ignition switch and plug.





Mike

[Sam Mac]

I looked around in my picture files and found a pic of a CH22 that was in a 2284 that had the relay on it. Not the best pic. Anyway it seems as though the CH's and the Kubota's have more problems than some of the others. My guess and it's only a guess is that the starter solenoids on them require more juice than is able to be supplied through the maze of switch's, plug connectors and the crappy wiring harness on the Cyclops.

[Golfnuts]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

First, I would make sure that the Battery is fully charged. If that don't fix the issue, then on to step 2. Take off and clean the Positive and Negative Battery cables, from both ends, and make sure the ends (and their connections) are: clean & bright. Then re-install the cables and make sure the connections are tight.

Report back.

Thanks R Bedell. The battery showed 12.2 volts when I checked with volt meter but, when I turned the key to start the tractor, which put load on battery, the voltage checked 8.5 volts. So looks like the battery is the problem. Thanks again. Larry

[Golfnuts]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

I looked around in my picture files and found a pic of a CH22 that was in a 2284 that had the relay on it. Not the best pic. Anyway it seems as though the CH's and the Kubota's have more problems than some of the others. My guess and it's only a guess is that the starter solenoids on them require more juice than is able to be supplied through the maze of switch's, plug connectors and the crappy wiring harness on the Cyclops.

Thanks Sam Mac. My problem turned out to be a weak battery. I though the battery was good as I checked it with volt meter and it showed 12.2 volts. Only problem is when I tried to start the tractor and a load was put on the battery the voltage dropped to little over 8 volts. Using my battery charger with engine starting feature the tractor started right up.

[Sam Mac]

Glad you got it going!

[R Bedell]

The battery showed 12.2 volts when I checked with volt meter

A fully charged battery will show around 13.7 VDC.

Glad to hear you found the issue.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

A fully charged battery will show around 13.7 VDC.
Glad to hear you found the issue.

Roland you are right as always, but I might add after the battery has rested 24 hours,
fully charged it will read 12.62-12.65 unless it is a AGM, they will read higher.

[Roadstar01]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

Just a heads up, I have the same issue with my 2284 and occasionally my 1864 (obviously both Commands). I have been doing some research and will be doing a how-to thread soon here on how to install the relay for those that have this issue.

Can anyone send me a link to the relay or explain the working of it or other solutions to try to fix my 2284?


I have been experiencing what sounds like the starter solenoid bringing the armature gear into the flywheel but no turn. I have changed the battery, ignition key and starter but no change. I even took out the plugs to see if it will spin. or not. Still no change. Noteworthy is I pulled the start.r away from the flywheel and grounded it. the starter spins EVERY Time.