12045 starter fault

[corundal]

When I was buying my 12045 it wouldn't start. The owner brought an auto electrician out. He took the starter off and it checked out ok. He replaced the unit under the floor that gives the 24 volt for the start. The tractor has battery cut outs fitted and if you leave them on the batteries drain over a week or so. Last week one of the batteries ran down (the driver probably left the cut out on) and now it won't start. Starter gives a clunk. Voltage reading on both batteries is about 12.6. The voltage reading at the starter goes to -5. So tomorrow I'll chase the circuit. You have to depress the clutch to start it so I guess there's some sort of switch there.
There's clearly a fault somewhere in the system that makes the batteries drain. Has anyone had a similar fault?

 

[dave_peters]

Yes, there should be a safety switch on the clutch.
It charges both batteries @ 12v in paralell and switches to series for starting @24v.one dud battery can run down the other.
The regulator can give trouble and if when the key is pulled out there is still current to the red spade terminal on the alternator then that may be your fault.
New owners don't always realise that the key pulls in and out to switch on and off, and if the key is left in it will run batteries.

 

[corundal]

Fortunately it only seems to be battery trouble and a false reading from my battery charger. I did inspect the circuit and that's quite an impressive device that gives the 24V start. The ignition/light switch seems worn so time for another.