Cub cadet model 1515,42''deck,kawasaki engine. pto will sometimes stay engaged 15 min.,sometimes needs switch pulled several times to engage.Have repleced engage hand switch twice in last two years,seemed to solve the problem. Replaced switch with known good switch from my M-60 0 turn{same part no.} but no better results?????? all safety switches are hooked up.
Sounds more like a PTO clutch failure, rather than the switch. The clutch is mounted on the engine shaft, between the hydrostatic drive pulley (nearest the chassis) and the mower deck belt pulley (farther from the chassis).
Since it's an expensive part, make sure the problem isn't in the switch or wiring first. You could do that by probing the wires to the PTO clutch with an automotive test light - they are inexpensive and handy. Clip the ground wire of the test light to the chassis, and probe the hot wire to the clutch (it's the one that doesn't connect to ground) when the engine is running and the PTO switch is engaged. Obviously a helper has to be in the seat, and you should be careful doing this. If the light glows brightly, and the clutch doesn't engage, you definitely have a bad clutch.
Good luck! Please rate my answer if helpful, thanks.
One more thing - on cub cadets there is a reverse switch (to sense if the mower is in reverse) and a reverse relay. If either of these are bad, it could cause the PTO to drop out unpredictably. Make sure the reverse switch mounting is adjusted properly so it only activates when the transmission is in reverse. The reverse switch and relay aren't too expensive - you could try replacing them.
I have this same issue, where exactly is the reverse switch mounted? To trouble shoot it I would like to jump it, is in normally open or closed?
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First of all check your battery if the voltage is low there won’t be enough voltage to engage the electric clutch. If you have been jumpstarting your mower is very possible you have a bad battery in even though the mower will run it will not power the PTO.
Check your battery voltage first before you start tearing into anything to do with the switches or the clutch. This is usually the issue with the PPO not working.
I hope that I helped you.
Mike
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