WHY

[Eugene]

2003 JD Gator 6x4, no start situation. Checked the easy stuff. Neutral safety switch was marginal. Solenoid and starter are fine.

Finally found, downloaded, and printed out the JD Electrical Specifications for the Gator. Three fusible links and two diodes enclosed/wrapped in the wiring bundles.

Wiring junctions are located where we cannot easily disconnect and check a circuit.

Carefully cut the wrapping from the suspect wiring bundle until we located a diode. Faulty.

Ok. Faster and easier for the factory to wrap all the electrical wires, fuse links, and diodes, in the individual wiring bundles. Dealership then sells you the needed wire bundle.

3 man hours. Ebay. Total repair parts cost $26- for neutral safety switch and 100 assorted diodes.

The needed 1 amp diode was $3.98 plus shipping or 100 assorted diodes for $10-, including shipping.

Guess I shouldn't be complaining. Would have cost several hundred dollars, probably close to $300-, if I had taken the Gator to John Deere.

 

[Don McCombs]

My guess, based on my experience, is that it would have cost much more than that. John Deere seems to design their equipment to preclude owner maintenance and repair. Particularly the larger equipment.

 

[Eugene]

John Deere part numbers and prices.
MIA881067: Neutral Start Switch. $58.57.
AM136278: Wiring Harness. $465.67.
Labor not included, or milage to and from dealership.

My out of pocket, $26-. Guess I can do it myself for the cost savings. Heck, I'm going to have 99 spare diodes.

 

[Steve Butram]

You got of cheap on the diodes. I have a JD 2305 Compact Utility Tractor that had blown the diode that operates the hazard flashers its $24 from Deere

 

[Eugene]

You got of cheap on the diodes.

Son's cell phone has great photography. When we got to diode we could see some very small numbers, but couldn't read then. Son took photos and blew then up.

With the diode numbers, an internet search provided the size. The diode is/was rated at 1 amp, 280 volts. Then Ebay search for a bargain.

 

[v w]

Deere is known for a lot of propreitary (sp?) parts making finding something from another source more difficult even if you do know what you want. Vern