1450: won’t re-start/no power – any advice on troubleshooting or cause?
 

Yesterday I went out changed the oil in my 1450, greased the deck bearings and mowed for the first time this season. On the way back up to the garage I have to climb a short, but very steep hill that I've not had a problem making it up before. For some reason I stalled on the hill. Usually I turn the deck off before the climb - so maybe this was the issue...)

Not thinking, without moving the hydro lever back to neutral, I reached down and turned the key to restart. (I did at least flip the PTO switch off) I was about midway up the hill at this point. The tractor surged forward a bit as it tried to start with the hydro still engaged and I realized the issue and let off the key. The damage was done.

Now, when I turn the key I get nothing. I checked the battery, which according to my meter is at 13volts. (I keep it on a tender) I thought it might be the starter and replaced it with another known good unit and still nothing.

I need to troubleshoot and I don’t have a good process. Could anyone provide a quick list of what I should check in what order – or a link to an existing resource/thread? Alternately, if you have a guess on what I messed up, feel free to let me know. I’d really appreciate it. It’s a real bummer to just get the tractor running and then have it go down.

Thanks!

-Calvin

IMO the hydro is not your issue. When you try to turn it over are you getting 12 volts to the starter?

cledford,
Just a though,
But first I am not sure you can damage one of these tractors that easily?
Im thinking electrical!
I would check this:
- does your hand lever move into neutral position when you step on the pedal?
- If that's Ok then has the tractor been able to start prior with the lever not in neutral?
- If so I would guess that the neutral safety switch may be faulty or just decided to work again? You can by pass the nuertal safety and lots of machine have had that done.
I may be way off the mark here too?
Regards,
Chris

Hi Tservice - This is going to sound dumb, but how should I test to see if I'm getting 12v to the starter? I have a multimeter, I just need direction on where to place the prongs.

Thank you for your help.

Hi Chris,

I have the neutral safety bypassed - but great advice, I should double check it regardless.

Thanks,

-Calvin

Found this great thread with advice from R Bedell located here:

http://onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13826

I'm probably going to need some help with some of the steps - but this was a great find. I wasn't able to located it doing a site search, but when searching the site using google (by using the site:onlycubcadets.net search arguement) it came up :-)

-Calvin

There are two terminals on the SG. the small one is marked "f" you want to check the larger wire, referencing ground.

This is a QL, so no starter/generator. One large wire to power the starter, and that's it.

:bigthink: hummm yep sorry. Still can check at the positive lead though.