skip to main content

simplicity broadmoor problem

16 years ago

I'm surpised, but my new (9.5 hr) Broadmoor 2044 has a minor problem. Tonight when I engaged the PTO for the deck, the mower died. After some minor trouble shooting, I found that the Deck would engage as long as I activated the Reverse Mow system (done by turing the "reverse operation" key) before the mower completely died (the machine has a keyed switch on the dash that must be used to activate reverse mowing capability). Subsequently, I found that as long as I held the key in the "activate" postion, the deck would start fine.

My manuals have no wiring diagram and I will contact the dealer tomorrow, but I am curious. How is reverse "sensed", is it by pedal position or is there a sensor on the pump? Neither was obvious on the mower. I have a feeling I have a bad switch or sensor somewhere. I did try engaging the deck while moving the mower forward (pump engaged, pedal depressed) and it died. I hope the problem is with something that easily reached and replaced as the dealer is a good 45 minute drive away. I hope it's the "key" activation switch on the dash. Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

sadixon49
16 years ago
You're on the right track looking for the reverse position switch. Those are the classic symptoms of a mower that "thinks" it's in reverse. It won't be the key activation switch. I suspect that the switch is activated by the reverse pedal position, and is probably jammed into the actuated position by something, dried grass, or a broken twig, or maybe just a bent actuator arm, etc.

steve
vangellis
16 years ago
It should be an easy fix. I had the same problem with my 2005 Conquest last year. It is a safety switch issue.

The dealer came to my house and made the fix there, but it was an adjustment under the mower. He told me that I could have activated the mower by " turning the reverse mow key on", after I hit the PTO and before the engine cut out.

Sounds like the same problem to me.

Kevin
Related Discussions
Simplicity Broadmoor
Q
Comments (0)
Mower has erratic starting. Sometimes fires right up other times only clicks when I turn key. Have found that rotating flywheel a little will allow a startup. Is my starter the problem?
...See More
JD X300 or 2006 Simplicity Broadmoor
Q
Comments (8)
Well folks after doing some research here and on other sites, I have been mowing the lawn for about a month with the simplicity Broadmoor. The 18 HP single cyl. Kohler engine seems to have more than enough power. This thing cuts like a dream, and realy a comfortable ride. Only problem is I get the lawn done faster than with the 13 year old Regent I use to have (just kidding). Hope you all have a great summer, and thanks for the help. Steve
...See More
Used Simplicity Broadmoor or new Regent EX?
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks again everyone. I picked up the Broadmoor today and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The added bonus was...only 183 hours on it! I got... 2007 44" mower - 2690275 Rear weight carrier - 1694312 2 50# weights - 1692939 Blower subframe - 1695196 Single stage 46" snowthrower - 1694296 Chains for $2200. You guys rock. This post was edited by Planedriver on Wed, May 28, 14 at 21:08
...See More
1985 Simplicity Broadmoor - no crank + stall
Q
Comments (5)
What exactly does the "interlock module" do? I have a mid 90s Broadmoor and the last time I tried to use it just the other day, the PTO wouldn't engage. I checked out the switch and it was OK. Pulled all the modular plugs apart in the wiring harness, cleaned the contacts which were crudded up with dirt and re-connected them. Finally, with the ignition on, when I engaged the PTO switch I could hear the solenoid engage normally, but I heard a hissing sound and what smelt like burning electronics. Then I noticed smoke coming out of the interlock module, and a putrid smell like a burning selenium rectifier or carbon resistor. The book says the interlock module is "untestable". I haven't checked on the cost, but I suspect they are expensive, and I'm afraid if I just buy a replacement and stick it in, and the electrical problem is elsewhere, the new one would burn up too. I took the interlock module off and cut a hole in the case where the plastic had melted and smoke was coming out. All I could see inside was some kind of substrate and the rest of the case was full of what looked like whitish sand. I poured out all the sand, replaced the module, and re-started the tractor. It started up OK (it won't start with the module unplugged from the cable). When I turned on the PTO switch, it engaged normally, and there was no more smoke from the module. The only thing abnormal now is the PTO light gets extra bright for a split second just when I switch the PTO off; I don't remember it doing that before. Does anyone know exactly what is inside the interlock module and exactly what it's supposed to do in the circuit? The schematic just shows a rectangle with numbers on the pins. The mower seems to work OK now, but I don't want to burn something else up running it with a defective interlock module.
...See More
lkbum_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. I didn't have time to call the dealer yesterday, but I did down load the parts schematic that showed the switch. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.
vangellis
16 years ago
Your welcome. I hope that solves your problem. Like I said, he adjusted something underneath the tractor, but it involved the safety switch. He said they are really starting to overdo some of these safety features. Let us know what happens.

Thanks, Kevin
lkbum_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
Finally had time today to look at the RIO switch under the tractor. The plunger was "hung" on the switch activated by the reverse pedal linkage. Minor adjustment to the switch position was all it needed to prevent this in the future. Still cuts off if reverse is activated without the safety key being previously engaged.
tmajor
16 years ago
1kbum, good going.

That brings to mind one of the faults with this forum. Many, who have a problem, never report back, as to the outcome of things. So, you're kind of left hangin', as to whether they found the problem or killed themselves looking. Then the next person, with the same problem, has to start all over. Plus, it's downright rude!
vangellis
16 years ago
Glad you got it fixed and as Tmajor said, thanks for reporting back on it. This will help others down the road.

Kevin

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Problem Solving With the Pros: Rustic Simplicity in a Country Garden

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Editing thoughtfully and adding some magic result in a timeless weekend retreat

ARCHITECTURE Simplicity vs. Simpleness in Architecture — and Why You Should Care

By Spry Architecture

Don't confuse these two concepts; your home's beauty and ability to inspire are at stake

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: Rolling With Simplicity in a Tiny House on Wheels

By Mary Jo Bowling

Just 240 square feet, this California home encourages efficient living — but there’s still room for yoga

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Picture-Perfect Simplicity

By Mary Jo Bowling

It’s like camping out in a catalog sometimes at this classic farmhouse — Pottery Barn and other retailers love it for photo shoots

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Elegant Simplicity in a Midcentury Northwest Remodel

By Caela McKeever

A discerning couple in Washington collaborate with a friend to update and add to their modern home

BEFORE AND AFTERS Modern Function and Simplicity in an Updated 1970s Kitchen

By Mitchell Parker

Goodbye to retro appliances and wasted space. Hello to better traffic flow and fresh new everything

FARMHOUSES Houzz Tour: Farmhouse Simplicity on the Lake

By Becky Harris

A north Minnesota lake house is a comfortable getaway for family and friends

MOST POPULAR A Few Words on the Power of Simplicity

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

An architect considers a pared-down approach to modern home design

FARMHOUSES Houzz Tour: Shaker Simplicity Inspires a Modern Farmhouse

By Mary Jo Bowling

Mixing classic farmhouse style with sustainable features, this Connecticut home is as charming as it is sensible

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: Simplicity for Life's Sake

By Laura Gaskill

10 (easy and cheap) ways to create space and time for the life you want

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Mower Blade rotation

1