A Comparison between PTO Switch and Ignition Switch

As we all know, electrical parts are indispensable in construction machinery. Starter motor, alternator, relays, wire harness, solenoid valve coil, fuel pressure sensor, pto switch ( power take-off switch), regulator, ignition switch all belong to electrical parts. This article will introduce two kinds of switches in detail, pto switch and ignition switch.

PTO Switch

What is a pto switch?

A pto switch is one or more sets of transmission gears and it is a safety feature that turns the mower's blades on and off. PTO stands for “Power Take-off”, referring to the clutch that engages the rider mower’s blades. It can be an electric switch or mechanical engagement that takes engine power to operate the mower deck or an implement. There are many manufacturers of the pto switch, such as john deere pto switch, cub cadet pto switch, ferris pto switch, etc. These different models and other riding mowers all have the same basic function.

How to test a pto switch？

As time goes on, the PTO switch may start to wear down. If the engine is running, but the blades won’t engage when you’re pulling the knob, then you know the interruption is probably due to a bad pto switch. Here is a tip for your reference when you test a pto switch. The PTO switch can be tested with a multimeter for its continuity. Below the switch knob, there are 3 rows of pins which are electrical connectors for the on/off setting. When the switch is off, it doesn't let current flow, but when it's on, the switch opens the connection and the blades can receive power from the motor. Use a multimeter to test the on-position to see if the middle and bottom rows of pins allow power to flow. If not, the switch needs to be replaced.

Ignition Switch

What is an ignition switch?

The ignition switch is commonly known as the main switch or the main key that controls the entire vehicle circuit system. It is a party of an assembly, or system, that includes the ignition lock cylinder. It has two kinds of plug-in types and knob types. The ignition switch is composed of a key, a key socket, external wires, inserts, etc. The ignition switch is generally installed above the front of the car or at the center of the instrument panel.

What happens when the ignition switch is faulty?

If the ignition switch fails, the car cannot start normally. The obvious manifestation is that the ignition cannot be ignited, or the ignition is turned off for unknown reasons, and even the circuit controlled by the key cannot be used normally. Therefore, knowing how to replace the ignition switch is essential. Take john deere ignition switch replacement as an example, you need to use the clamp to open the frame of the ignition switch, then take out the ignition switch directly, disassemble the wiring harness and replace it with a new one. But some models cannot be pried off directly, and the instrument panel or the central armrest box of the vehicle needs to be disassembled before replacing the ignition switch.