lawn tractor switch

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- D
  
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posted
18 years ago

Sat, Apr 30, 2005 7:00 PM

I have a new John Deere lawn tractor. I like the tractor but it's got this annoying safety switch system that will not let you backup unless you disengage blade and further you cannot get off the tractor with the engine running to move something even if the blade is disengaged and the trans is in neutral. So I jumpered the seat switch and now I can get off the tractor with it running but it won't let me engage the blade without shutting off the engine. The blade engagement has a switch also but I'm starting to get a little confused as to how jumpering the seat switch (which to me is the same as sitting on it) would affect the blade engagement??? Any suggestions? Sincerely caged in by idiot protections

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- Chris Dugan
  
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posted
18 years ago

Sun, May 1, 2005 3:47 AM

Sounds like there's some kind of logic circuit there or a relay that cuts power to the blade actuator when the seat is unloaded. Why not fit an extension lead and mount a toggle switch on the dash rather than jumper the seat switch, then you'll still have that protection; just under manual control.

I can understand the logic behind the system... fall off the mower and it tips over; you coming the seat off cuts power to the blade so you don't get mangled. Just don't sue them if it does eat your fingers as you've bypassed the safety system.

Chris

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- Bill
  
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posted
18 years ago

Sun, May 1, 2005 5:24 AM

If it's like my JD tractor you can disengage the blade, set the parking brake and then get off the tractor without the thing cutting off. As for backing up with the blade engaged, mine has a little yellow push button on the dash that you can push as you go into reverse and it will allow you to go backwards with the blade engaged.

wlb