Looking for Mark VII key

wjhawes · Post by **wjhawes** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:06 am

I need a key for a Mark VII. My Mark VII is locked and I need a key to use it. If I cannot get a key, can the power buttons be replaced with a different type of switch so a key is not needed?

When I purchased the Mark VII, it was in the forward position so the motor ran but when I tried to get it to go in reverse, the reverse button would not push in. I used a screw driver to see if the lock would rotate. Unfortunately it only rotated to the lock position and is lock there now.

I need help.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 11:23 am

Easiest thing to do would be to remove the plate on the back of the lock. I assume the locks are not keyed alike.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=137174&postcount=5

Be careful to not attempt changing directions while still 'running'. You shall be surprised if not!;) No damaging stuff, just not what you might expect.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 11:41 am

JPG40504 wrote:Easiest thing to do would be to remove the plate on the back of the lock. I assume the locks are not keyed alike.

Actually a great many such things "are" keyed alike.

Most of those keys are just there to keep kids from getting hurt etc. My John Deere key would fit my 4020 ag tractor, my Deere back-hoe, any of the Deere combines I owned and a lawn tractor.
I'm pretty sure it was Bobcat that my son mentioned once that at one time the same key would fit anything they made. I believe that they have since gone to a keypad system like a lot of others have. I used to buy lawn tractor keys by the dozen and one would fit most brands...

JPG, If I ever remember to get a spare key made for my Mark VII I'll mail you one so you can try it in yours.

I don't allow kids in my shop but I do have a "past it" BIL that just might pocket a key to keep it out of the hands of the Taliban.

.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 11:47 am

robinson46176 wrote:Actually a great many such things "are" keyed alike.
Most of those keys are just there to keep kids from getting hurt etc. My John Deere key would fit my 4020 ag tractor, my Deere back-hoe, any of the Deere combines I owned and a lawn tractor.
I'm pretty sure it was Bobcat that my son mentioned once that at one time the same key would fit anything they made. I believe that they have since gone to a keypad system like a lot of others have. I used to buy lawn tractor keys by the dozen and one would fit most brands...
JPG, If I ever remember to get a spare key made for my Mark VII I'll mail you one so you can try it in yours.
I don't allow kids in my shop but I do have a "past it" BIL that just might pocket a key to keep it out of the hands of the Taliban.

.

Interesting!

However. I am not the one who needs one!;)

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 6:59 pm

wjhawes wrote:I need a key for a Mark VII. My Mark VII is locked and I need a key to use it. If I cannot get a key, can the power buttons be replaced with a different type of switch so a key is not needed?

When I purchased the Mark VII, it was in the forward position so the motor ran but when I tried to get it to go in reverse, the reverse button would not push in. I used a screw driver to see if the lock would rotate. Unfortunately it only rotated to the lock position and is lock there now.

I need help.

Do you mean a safety key which goes into a switch or a code to input into the keypad?
BPR

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:13 pm

ryanbp01 wrote:Do you mean a safety key which goes into a switch or a code to input into the keypad?
BPR

A Mark VII predates 'keypads'.]20221[/ATTACH]

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:23 pm

I never would have thought an honest to goodness key was used for the machine! I should have read whhawes' thread closer.
BPR

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:45 pm

ryanbp01 wrote:I never would have thought an honest to goodness key was used for the machine! I should have read whhawes' thread closer.
BPR

Not surprising unless one is familiar with the Mark VII.

The key/lock and attached plate along with an interlock in the actual switch 'shafts' prevents depressing the fwd/rev switches when the other one is already depressed. It also has a lockout position which requires the key to 'turn it on'.

The stop always 'works', but going from fwd to rev requires pushing the stop button, turning the key switch from 'forward' to 'reverse' position and then pushing the rev switch.

One would think it is idiot proof, but tain't so. If ye be fast enough, ya kin push the stop switch, move the key, then push the rev switch before the motor 'stops'. At that point it does not run in reverse!:D It runs in the forward direction.