Hi,
Recently my TB tractor's PTO will inconsistantly activate. It has an electric PTO. At low idle the PTO may or may not activate the blades for 10 seconds or so then PYO disengages. At high idle, the PTO will engage the blades but only for 2 seconds. I was thinking it could be the switch but for a $100 nonreturnable switch I would rather rule out other issues first. Any ideas?

Thanks,
JohnO

Hi,
Since an electric PTO requires a lot of current (second only to the starter), the health of the battery and charging system could be at fault. The battery would probably show other symptoms like turning engine slowly. A decent battery at rest on average is 12.6 -13.2V. A good charging system, engine running at full speed, will put out 14.5V or so (measured at the battery terminals.)
A bad switch can do what you say, but you ought to be able to buy 4 for $100.
Peace,
Clarke