Starting Issue
 

When I got the "new" 1860 home, I put a battery in, and a few other things, and it started right up after having sat for a year. It started several times just fine. Then, when I turned the key, nothing. Not even a click. I jumped the solenoid and it started right up. I shined up all the connections on the key switch - nothing. I put a new solenoid in and still nothing. I can jump the new solenoid and it starts right up, so it seems that was a waste of money.
Any ideas?

Start with your Battery Cables. Make sure that "both" cables are: Clean, Bright, & Tight on each end.

:ThumbsUp:

If cleaning the connections bring no joy, check that all safety switches are connected, working and the pto switch is in the off position,
and fuses are good if used.
Then get back to us with results.:beerchug:

I found out this weekend that the pto isn't working. Actually, my 13-year-old nephew discovered it. This is his project tractor for the summer. Between this old 1860 and the 1641 I brought home (which I can't keep him off of) he's been practically living in the shop.
I haven't dug into it yet, but any help in locating the safety switch for the pto would be greatly appreciated. I'll be able to look for fuses tonight as well.
Thanks.

I suspect your 1860 is similar to my later cyclops tractors. Safety interlock switches are located under the seat (2), at the speed control handle behind the dash, under the tunnel cover actuated by the brake, within the PTO switch. Each interlock switch and key switch uses spade terminals which can oxidize, overheat, get loose, dirty and just create frustration with an intermittent no start.

I suggest cleaning each switch terminals after checking the continuity/functionality. Check the wiring harness for breaks. I replaced many of the safety switches. Look in the chassis service manual section for a wiring diagram