JD 1050 2 stage (PTO Clutch stuck)

[jsiler]

Well folks, I just bought a pretty slick 1050 John Deere with only 1600hrs that has the PTO clutch stuck. I have checked and double checked the pedal adjustment according to the JD manual and I have 9/16 free clearance which is the minimum per the manual. What is the best way to break the PTO clutch loose?? I've tried to mow with my 6ft finish mower and I have to actually shut off the engine, engage the PTO and then start the engine with the PTO engaged and have tried several times to mow, push the clutch fully down hoping to break it loose, etc. The tractor has been used very little lately with the PTO and I'm sure (as I bought it from a good friend) that it has just stuck due to inactivity. Any suggestions are appreciated. Wish I had a PTO dyno here at home I'm sure that would do it!!!!

Thanks for your reply
Greasy fingers

 

[AKfish]

Try to stall the engine by lowering the mower into a some heavy brush or thick grass. Don't know if your mower has a slip clutch or a shear pin - you might break a pin, (or two).

Engine at idle or just above, in neutral, push clutch in and hold it, lower the mower into the wad of brush. Might take a handful of tries (or not). If you don't have a patch of thick brush or heavy grass; break apart half a square bale of alfalfa or hay and try that.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[jsiler]

Thanks for the reply, wad of hay is a really good idea and one that I had not thought of. I hated to just put the hog on and drop it intentionally into some overpowering brush and break something you know. I'll give that a try when it dries out some here. Got an incredible amount of rain last night.
Jim

 

[PHIL850]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, however you may have a worn out clutch.
These tractors are noted for having clutchs stick to the flywheel if they are not used for some time and I pursued this issue at first when I had a similar situation.
I have a JD850, with the same issue. After trying similar attemps at freeing up the PTO Clutch, I finally, over adjusted the Clutch linkage to get the PTO clutch to disengage. This worked, however when the clutch linkage was returned to proper adjustment, the PTO clutch failed to disengage again. The problem being that the Drive Clutch disk was so warn out that when properly adjusted, you could not get enough movement to also disengage the PTO clutch. The PTO clutch disc being much thicker as both discs ware at different rates. The drive clutch waring out at a faster rate. The 850 is the little brother to the 1050. I purchased a reconditioned clutch for around $1200 if my memory serves me right. I am planning on splitting the tractor this spring and have at it.
Good luck with yours. They are great Tractors.

Phil

 

[jsiler]

Man Phil, your FULL of good news!! Don't take this the wrong way but I really hope you are wrong as I don't look forward to spending $1200.00 on a new clutch assy!
Jim

 

[jenkinsph]

I would check to see what is needed if you split the tractor as the complete dual clutch pack is about $2400 or so from JD parts. Buying the pressure plate is about $120 and the drive clutch is $345. You may wan't to check a NAPA if you have a store near you as they have remanufactured clutch parts for tractors too.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

Man Phil, your FULL of good news!! Don't take this the wrong way but I really hope you are wrong as I don't look forward to spending $1200.00 on a new clutch assy!
Jim

The drive clutch "could" be worn out - or not. 1,600 hrs is a bit early on having the clutch take a dump. I'd do everything to see if you can free it up and then re-adjust things.

Go from there.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

I do agree with AKfish on making an effort to free it up first. As mentioned above drop the cutter over a bale of hay quickly while holding the clutch pedal to the floor. I agree that 1500 hrs is not much if the clutch was not mistreated.

I had to split my 820 which has about the same two stage clutch pack at 1300 hrs. The clutch surfaces were like new but the inner spline was stripped out, probably due to someone trying to pull the tractor to start it and popped the clutch in a low gear. Atleast I was able to buy it cheap knowing when I finished it had a new clutch, new tires and new paint job so= new tractor.




Steve

 

[jsiler]

Well Boys, as I've heard so many times before "Houston, we have a problem" I have done some further investigation and sure enough, the PTO clutch pressure plate release bolthead clearance is above .060 I will have to split the tractor when I get some time and see if it will adj back in spec's. Appears to be about .100 - .120. Nonetheless I will see if I can salvage the existing clutch discs and not spend anything other than time as both the clutches hold tight I just can't get them to both release without having a lack of freeplay on the pedal and running on the throwout bearing constantly. Obviously the transmission clutch is worn more than the PTO clutch. Not unexpected due to the use of the tractor in the 1700 hrs without much PTO useage.

I'll update when I have it apart but right not I've got a bad back and can't do much till I heal up. Maybe I can get my son in law to help me soon.

Greasy Fingers

 

[AKfish]

Sorry to hear about the latest development (including your whacked out back)!! When I had my JD 970, I priced a clutch kit, too.

That's about 5 years ago and it was around $1,200, even then. That included both clutches and pressure plate and throw-out bearing. Remanufactured would certainly be less.

If the clutch for the pto is not worn very much; you might be able to reuse it. If you buy the kit - you might just end up with 2 pto clutches, though.

AKfish