Problem: battery discharges when PTO is on when off charge rate ok, is this normal?
Answers:
the pto must be electric, right? Your battery might be to small or the generater cant keep up, and there is the possibility you have a short
Other answers:
It may be the PTO operated electrically. It could have a Short in a Solenoid or wire and is Drawing too much Current when on. Do a Visual Inspection for wires being Pinched, maybe around the On/Off Switch and going to the Solenoid or whatever Actuates the PTO.
NOW, I not sure, but, some mowers did Charge off the Starter/Generator that were belt driven. So, a loose belt, but, most the Riders I have seen use a Stator/Rotor setup with the Flywheel.
It may be the PTO operated electrically. It could have a Short in a Solenoid or wire and is Drawing too much Current when on. Do a Visual Inspection for wires being Pinched, maybe around the On/Off Switch and going to the Solenoid or whatever Actuates the PTO.
NOW, I not sure, but, some mowers did Charge off the Starter/Generator that were belt driven. So, a loose belt, but, most the Riders I have seen use a Stator/Rotor setup with the Flywheel.
Had the same prob with a pto in my crane truck! Turns out the solenoid was stuck trying to engage. I had t replace some wire before i found the prob. Then i had to replace the solenoid.
That depends on the engine:
Briggs & Stratton uses basic alternator under the flywheel that puts out a maximum of 15 amps at full engine speed of 3650RPM. and a maximum voltage of 13.4 volts.
At lower engine speeds the voltage, and amperage is reduced.
If it's a Kohler, they use a rectifier that controls the charging circuit a little better, and can develop more contiuos power output.
Whith the engine running at idle, there should be little, if any, charging voltage. Raise the engine speed to close operating speed. The needle on the dashboard should increase to about 6 amps, then slowly come back close to center possition.
After the needle comes back near center, you should be able to operate the PTO without problems.
The charging circuit it designed to maintain battery voltage, not recharge the battery. If the battery was somewhat discharged from sitting for a while, it may be pulling the maximum power that the charging circuit can deliver, then you turn on the PTO, and you exceed the available power.
Charge your battery first. Then try it again.
Good luck.