Are you having problems with the safety switches on your John Deere lawn mower? If so, you might be wondering whether these problems are common and whether there are easy fixes that you can undertake to remedy the issues.
There are two safety switches on a John Deere lawn mower. One is under the seat and can stop the mower from starting and prevent the blades from rotating, while the other is attached to the parking brake and will stop your mower from starting.
These safety switches protect you and your family from mishaps but can also cause some annoyance when it comes to operating your lawn mower.
Let’s look at how these safety switches operate, how you can test them, and how you can also easily replace them if they’re not working correctly.
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How Do The Safety Switches Operate?
There is a safety switch that is located under the seat of your lawn mower. It looks like a plug with a push button. Once you sit on the seat, contact is made between the switch and the engine, and another contact is made between the switch and the cutting blades of the mower.
Your weight on the seat activates that push button that then creates the contacts between the engine and the batteries. This allows the mower to start.
However, if you shift your weight or stand up while the mower is running, that contact is broken, and the engine will stop.
Similarly, if you release the throttle on the handle, the safety switch will prevent the ignition coil from firing, causing the engine to stop. This lack of firing will cause the mower not to start.
Additionally, the safety switch that is connected to the parking brake will stop the mower from starting if the brake is not on.
How To Resolve Problems With The Safety Switch Under The Seat
If you’re having problems with the safety switch under the seat, like your mower not starting or the blades not engaging, it could mean that the switch is faulty. Here’s how to ensure your mower will start by activating the safety switch correctly.
Start Your Mower The Right Way
- Ensure your mower is parked in a relatively flat spot in your yard.
- Sit firmly on the seat, put your foot on the park brake pedal and push this down to the floor.
- Take your foot off the brake pedal and start the mower.
How To Test If The Safety Switch Is Working
If the mower has started correctly, you now want to ensure that the cutting blades will engage and that the safety switch is working correctly.
- While seated on the mower, lift the PTO switch, which is on the dashboard, usually on the left side of the steering wheel.
- Lift your weight off the seat but don’t get off the mower.
If the cutting blades stop turning and the engine turns off, you can be assured that the safety switch is working correctly.
However, if the blades are still rotating or the engine continues to run when you lift your weight off the seat, then the safety switch is malfunctioning, and you’ll need to replace it.
How To Replace The Safety Switch Under The Seat
- Park your mower on a flat surface and take out the starter key.
- Move the seat forward until you can easily access the safety switch.
- With a screwdriver, remove the safety switch and disconnect the wires.
- Connect the wires to the new switch and put it into place.
- Conduct the safety switch test again to ensure that the switch is working correctly.
How To Resolve Problems With The Safety Switch On The Parking Brake
The safety switch that is connected to the parking brake can be pretty sensitive, but you want to ensure that it’s working correctly. If not, it may need to be replaced because this could stop your mower from starting.
How To Test If The Parking Brake Safety Switch Is Working
- Park your mower on a flat surface.
- Sit on the seat evenly.
- Put your foot on the parking brake pedal and push it down to the floor.
- Take your foot off the pedal and turn the key to start the mower.
If your mower starts correctly, then the safety switch operates as it should. However, if your mower does not start, you have a faulty or malfunctioning safety switch. This will need to be replaced.
How To Replace The Parking Brake Safety Switch
The parking brake safety switch should be easily found under the front fender. Check your operator’s manual for the precise location. Here’s how to replace it.
- Using an 8 mm socket wrench, undo the two bolts that hold the safety switch in place.
- Remove the safety switch and disconnect the wires.
- Connect the wires to the new switch and bolt it into place.
- Conduct the same test as before to ensure that the safety switch is now working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many safety switches are there on a John Deere lawn mower?
There are two main safety switches on a John Deere lawn mower. One is located under the seat, and the other one is connected to the parking brake pedal. These are designed to stop your mower from operating when you’re not sitting on it.
Why does my John Deere mower die when I engage the blades?
Several factors could cause this. You could have a faulty safety switch, the mower could be in reverse, or you might have dirty fuel or fuel lines. This can also happen if the grass is too wet and the blades get bogged down.
Where is the PTO switch on a John Deere mower?
The PTO switch activates the mower blades and is usually located on the dashboard of the mower near the steering wheel.
Final Thoughts
Safety switches are essential on your John Deere lawn mower. They protect you and your family from any possible mishaps. Two main safety switches on your mower will stop it from starting or the blades from rotating.
It’s important to check that these switches are working correctly periodically and to replace them if they start to malfunction.
