Craftsman 20 hp DLS 3500 Lawn Tractor

Gary Mitchell · Apr 30, 2022

I have an old Craftsman 20 hp DLS 3500 Lawn Tractor that I use for just that, a lawn tractor. The deck left with a scrapper. What would I need to do to be able to get off the seat and it continue running and how do I go about that? The park aspect works but it's usually hard to disengage it and I don't want to end up spending $ on that. I use it around the place and hate to use up the starter/bendix etc from frequent starts. Thanks, gm

RogerinIowa · Apr 30, 2022

Two wires go to the seat usually have a connector near the seat. Disconnect the seat wire. Put a jumper wire in the other wires.

old · Apr 30, 2022

I've taped/siliconed the switch in the down potion

T.R.K. · Apr 30, 2022

Be aware, if you bypass the seat switch, it is totally capable of running away from you!

A gear drive left in gear will go faster, but a hydrostat will still have the possiblity of creeping away!

Russ from MN · May 1, 2022

You need to fix the parking brake, you might not have to spend any money on it, just fix it!

oldsarge · May 1, 2022

The YT safety po-lice will getcha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary Mitchell · May 2, 2022

You might notice above that it's already begun. Surely between washing paint brushes out with gas, using my oxygen while welding, blowing tubeless tires onto rims with ether, or removing the shields from my angle grinder, bench grinder, and table saw will get me way before the old Craftsman does. One would think 2 grandma's would have been enuf. ;-) gm (Thanks for all the responses!!)

Mule Meat · May 4, 2022

Raise the seat.
If it has a bar similar to this one.

Tighten the two nuts that hold the "floating" bar in place. If you tighten them all the way down. It keeps the safety switch from losing contact.

The nuts are intended to adjust the switch pressure for your weight.

Gary Mitchell · May 4, 2022

Thanks MM. From what I can see of it I think it's the same gizmo. gm

Mule Meat · May 5, 2022

You're welcome Gary
Let us know how it works out for you.

Gary Mitchell · May 5, 2022

MM, It turned out to be a similar switch unit but it extends up into the seat and is depressed by your butt bearing
directly down on it. I removed it, twisted a piece of tie wire around it tight enuf to hold the button in
permanently,(something like Old did), stuck it back under the seat and voila. It had 4 wires running to it and I
didn't see how messing that up could have gained anything more than what I got. Thanks!! gm

DMartin9N-2N · May 7, 2022

. Good morning, Gary and all: I have a Deere, but the principles are the same. Neutral switch so you can't start engine if tractor is in gear. Seat switch so mower blades will quit if you get up off seat if mower is running. Mower switch is in series with seat switch, as described. I think I have described thing correctly. Others may have further comments.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

da.bees · May 16, 2022

Watch out for that EPA NON-compliant gas can Gary.

Gary Mitchell · May 16, 2022

Surely you don't think they'd even blink about the old Hy-Tran bucket and 5 quart oil jugs that I personally designated as user approved for gas? gm ;-)

Craftsman 20 hp DLS 3500 Lawn Tractor

Gary Mitchell

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RogerinIowa

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old

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T.R.K.

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Russ from MN

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oldsarge

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Gary Mitchell

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Mule Meat

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Gary Mitchell

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Mule Meat

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Gary Mitchell

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DMartin9N-2N

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da.bees

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Gary Mitchell

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