jd173 engine stops when engage mower

[ray/swee]

JD173 RIDING MOWER, ENGINE STOPS WHEN ENGAGE MOWER

 

[wore out]

JD173 RIDING MOWER, ENGINE STOPS WHEN ENGAGE MOWER

The first thing I would check is the seat switch/OPS (Operator Presence Switch).

The safety system will "kill" the engine when the PTO is engaged unless there's an operator in the seat and the switch to indicate that along with it's wiring is working.

 

[Pete in MD]

JD173 RIDING MOWER, ENGINE STOPS WHEN ENGAGE MOWER

You have to be sitting in the seat when you engage the mower. Are you?

If you are, the seat safety switch is not working. Either a wire is broken, not connected or the seat switch needs to be replaced.

 

[peteL]

You have to be sitting in the seat when you engage the mower. Are you?

If you are, the seat safety switch is not working. Either a wire is broken, not connected or the seat switch needs to be replaced.

I have a JD 160 which had the same problem. I found out the seat safety switch plastic had disintegrated since it was over 30 years old. Replaced the switch and I was back in operation.