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Having an issue with my Zforce SX 54. When im mowing the pto just randomly turns off. Like something is loose. Everything feels tight like it should. Anyone else have this happen or have suggestions on what to check?

Probably a bad PTO switch like the one I replaced earlier this year that was doing the same thing. Could cycle the switch and PTO worked for several minutes before stopping again.

Also check current draw of the PTO clutch windings. Should not be pulling more than 7 amps max.

StarTech said:

Probably a bad PTO switch like the one I replaced earlier this year that was doing the same thing. Could cycle the switch and PTO worked for several minutes before stopping again.

Also check current draw of the PTO clutch windings. Should not be pulling more than 7 amps max.

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Where do i check the draw at?

Depends if your have a clamp meter or the one that must hardwired into the clutch circuit.

If you don't either then install a 7.5 amp fuse in one of the wires going to the PTO clutch (Hint: there is only two wires). Once you power up the clutch if the fuse blows the clutch is partially shorted and must be replaced.

Seat switch.

The seat switch will cause such.

I did not read all of this post but as StarTech indicates you can bypass all the SAFETY SWITCH and install a 7.5-10 fuse directly in either wire going to the electric clutch and connect the clutch wiring directly to the battery.
If it then cuts on and off you know it's the clutch itself.
Just be aware that all the safety switch are bypassed.
I would install a on-off switch in the pos 12v wire that can be operated from the driver seat..

I did not say (type) anything about bypassing any of the safeties. Period. Just about installing a 7.5 amp fuse inline to test the clutch to see if it is drawing excessive current. A PTO clutch drawing excessive current can damage the PTO and ignition switches. Most of the PTO switches are only rated for 5 amp current draw.

Either way I would perfer if the OP used an actual amp test meter. Just most DVMM will only test up to 10 amps before they are destroyed as they are unfused at this level.

I have seen melted connectors and wiring where clutches were pulling over 16 amps and still be operating.

StarTech said:

I did not say (type) anything about bypassing any of the safeties. Period. Just about installing a 7.5 amp fuse inline to test the clutch to see if it is drawing excessive current. A PTO clutch drawing excessive current can damage the PTO and ignition switches. Most of the PTO switches are only rated for 5 amp current draw.

Either way I would perfer if the OP used an actual amp test meter. Just most DVMM will only test up to 10 amps before they are destroyed as they are unfused at this level.

I have seen melted connectors and wiring where clutches were pulling over 16 amps and still be operating.

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If the clutch was drawing say 10 amps would that burn out the 5 amp PTO switch or does it have a circut breaker in it? I'm thinking if ironhead did run a wire from the battery to the clutch with a 7.5 amp fuse in line that would definitely tell if the clutch was the problem or not. Can you see it that way or should that not be done at all?

dana a said:

If the clutch was drawing say 10 amps would that burn out the 5 amp PTO switch or does it have a circut breaker in it? I'm thinking if ironhead did run a wire from the battery to the clutch with a 7.5 amp fuse in line that would definitely tell if the clutch was the problem or not. Can you see it that way or should that not be done at all?

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Yes drawing 10 amps will melt down the terminal mounts. That is why I replace so many PTO switches.

As long as it is for test purposes only then it is okay but not as a permament fix.

You can find a 0-15 amp or 0-20 amp DC ammeter on flea bay for around $15.
It will probably be a panel mount type but good for just testing DC amp draw on your clutch if you keep the rear terminals insulated when being used portable and I would fuse it with a 10-15 amp inline fuse. (so as to protect the full scale of the ammeter or causing a S in the analog needle if pegged out.

I have couple of hard to find high DC amp DMM's (Digital Multi Meters) that I use that are auto reading to 400 DC or AC amps. Not very many clamp on DMM's will auto read to 400 amps direct Current (DC).
They are also voltage and ohms scales and are user friendly type meters.

One is a EUI DL49 and the other is a Craftsman 82369. Going price for good clean ones are $50 or less. I seen a 82369 sell on flea bay few days ago for around $30 with the owners manual and case and a clean unit.
These are very handy for checking charging circuits and starter loads amps just by clamping around the wire and both will surface on flea bay every once in awhile.

You can review and download a operators/users manual for each on-line.
They are not made as new for sale now days. They sold new for around $100

StarTech said:

Yes drawing 10 amps will melt down the terminal mounts. That is why I replace so many PTO switches.

As long as it is for test purposes only then it is okay but not as a permament fix.

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OK. Thanks StarTech.