When I engage the pto clutch, it does not activate. What would cause that? This is for a F725 John Deere Front Mower

Check fuses, see attached pic. If fuses are intact then further troubleshooting is required. Check the PTO switch connector is properly attached and not burnt or melted (common failure in older machines).Same for the electric clutch connector.

You can make an audible test of the PTO clutch with key ON engine OFF. Turn ignition switch to run position but do not start the engine, then move the PTO switch ON. The clutch should make an audible pop sound.

If no sound then use an automotive style test lamp or a DMM to check for power at the clutch.

If power (batt +) and ground (batt-) at the clutch, then disconnect the connector at the clutch and measure resistance of the clutch winding. Typical resistance is 2-4 ohms. If it reads 0 ohms, reverse leads and re-measure. If it reads open (infinity) then likely clutch winding has failed or wire has broken.

Check the blade brake to make sure that it releases fully.good luck

Just out of curiosity check your pigtail that plugs into the pot harness. I have ran into a broken wire inside that pigtail before.

A possible cause is an open seat switch (operator presence). Locate the switch under the seat & unplug the switch from the harness. Place a small jumper wire into the female socket leads to the wire harness. If the PTO engages without engine shutting down, replace the seat switch.

Check to see if the mower deck is plugged or a piece of wood/debris is wedged between the deck and a blade, or some wire/rope is wrapped around a spindle. If the blades don't turn by hand, it'll stall your engine when the electric PTO clutch is energized.

Lastly, a discharged battery will cause an engine shut down if there's not enough reserve when the PTO is engaged. Measure the battery voltage with a meter. If the voltage is below 11.5 volts, you may have to replace the battery.

The John Deere F525, a front cutting machine, has 3 fuses.
20 Amp
15 Amp
10 Amp

Check the 15 amp fuse. I believe this supports the PTO clutch. If you replace the fuse and it blows again, check the electric clutch. You will likely find burnt or melted wires. The bearings do go out on these clutches causing them to run hot and eventually burn up.

PTO Clutch will not engage: There is a very fine one page discussion on evaluating electric clutches at this site:

http://www.messicks.com/Articles/FixingElectricClutch.aspx

My JD tech manual, which covers the entire LA 100 series, agrees with the electrical specifications. It states that the Electric PTO Clutch should show the following:

Resistance 3.7 ohms
Current Draw 3.25 amps
It does not give the air gap.

It does include a note to check the PTO Clutch Key for damage or if missing. So there is a drive key between the PTO Clutch and the shaft. Additionally, it recommends checking the tightness of the cap screw. That's the screw or bolt that holds the clutch on the shaft.
Cap Screw torque 55 lb-ft (75 N.m).

If the fuse blows, I recommend you check the resistance of the clutch. If the clutch is shorting to ground it will show zero resistance when you ohms the connector wire to a ground position. In which case, you will have to replace the clutch.

Fixing Electric Clutches

Other possibilities.
On the F525 there is a cut-off switch in the hydraulic system. It is a low pressure cut off. If you were running the mower and deck and then it suddenly stopped, it may be low pressure in the hydraulics. It will not automatically reset as you are using the same volume for the drive pumps. Once the oil gets low enough it cuts out the deck drive 1st, then the drive pumps.

hi there pauly46 here

type f725 in the search box - under j/d cataloue

here is web site adress to go to that page
http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.HomePageServlet_Alt?search=model&model=f725

select f725 ,select sectional index , select mower deck and lift linkage,select mower drive belts sheaves and spindles ,

then a window with deck parts and diagram will appear

print this off

it will give a good idea of belt routing for deck


take a look and hope it helps

cheers pauly46

I own a similiar John Deere model (L130, 23HP with a 48" deck). I would check the electric clutch (called a PTO). To do this check the wires to this clutch and look for something disconnected. These wires (to this PTO clutch) should have twelve volts with the key on and the blades engaged.

Could be the seat switch. Your operator present switch only comes into play when the clutch is engaged. If the drive clutch is engaged, and the pto is engaged, the operator present switch has to be moade.

sounds like the seat switch is bad

Sounds like you may have a safety switch shutting down the PTO. Check them all as there may be a loose connection.