When turning on pto blows the fuse - Ariens Zoom 42 In 165 HP Briggs Stratton Zero Turn Riding Mower ()

Likely there's an electrical short to chassis frame. You'll need to isolate the multiple circuits that pass through the PTO switch to identify the offending circuit and test for continuity to battery negative.

Wiring diagrams are included in the parts lists from the Bobcat website https://www.bobcatpartsonline.com

Pull the connector from the back of the PTO switch and the 4 wire connector at engine. Replace fuse. Turn key to run.

Did fuse blow? No, turn key to start and back to run.

Did fuse blow? No, plug in engine connector.

Did fuse blow? Yes, likely shorted regulator or safety miswired.

Plug in PTO switch.

Did fuse blow? Yes, likely safety miswired.

It is a known issue and mentioned here

https://www.google.com/search?q=Craftsman+zero+turn+z6400+blows+fuse+when+blades+engaged

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do you have an electric PTO if you do ,it sounds like it's shorted out causing the fuse to blow. disconnect the plug in at the pto try engaging pto switch .Does fuse still blow? if not Its the PTO unit mounted on the crank shaft . replace.

Sounds like you have either a dead short causing the fuse to blow, or something is binding and causing the fuse to blow. Check the mechanical end first, does everything move freely? Then check for exposed wires or sparks when engaging the PTO.

There are several things that can cause the fuse to blow. PTO stands for Power Take Off and most likely this will not be the problem unless it blows the fuse when it is turned on. What you are saying is the fuse is blowing by just turning on the switch will be a short which can be anything from a pinched wire, shorted diode, short in the stator. bad voltage regulator.etc

could be the safety switch for the pedal

check the wiring to the PTO first. if it is good either the PTO or its inline fuse has failed. try the fuse first as it is much cheaper. if it just blows again you are back to replacing the PTO.

Most likely there is an internal short in the PTO clutch, but it could also be in the wiring, which is way cheaper to fix! So, with the engine off, get down on the ground, find the PTO clutch (it's between the two pulleys under the motor) and trace the wires that go to it. Look for a worn spot in the insulation anywhere, especially likely where the wires pass through the chassis or if they've touched a belt or other moving part. If you find a wiring problem, just splice in a new wire.
Ok, if you found nothing, then unplug the connector that connects the wires from the PTO. Start the engine, drive around, engage the PTO switch (of course, the blades won't spin). If the PTO fuse does not blow, you've proven the problem is in the PTO clutch and you must replace it ($150 or so, sorry!). If the fuse does blow, that's good news, you just have a short in the wiring or in the PTO switch itself. Disconnect the wires from the switch to differentiate those two possibilities. The PTO switch isn't too expensive either. Good luck! Please rate my solution if helpful.

Sounds like you have a short circuit, either in the PTO clutch, or in the wiring that goes to it. Inspect the wiring for any obvious spots where insulation has rubbed off or burned. Also look at the wiring at the back of the PTO engagement switch for these signs. Before buying an expensive PTO clutch, unplug its connector. Drive around with the PTO switch on (even though the PTO won't activate and the blades won't be engaged). If the fuse doesn't blow, the problem must be within the PTO clutch. If the fuse still blows, it must be in the PTO switch or the wiring from there to the clutch. Use an ohmmeter to trace and find the short. Good luck!