Exact Procedure for Measuring Clutch Pedal Free Travel?

[VaBeekeeper]

Hi everybody,
I own a Kubota L3240 and am finishing up my 50-hour maintenance procedure. One of the things I've got left to do is check the clutch pedal free travel. Now, I understand that this is the distance between the unpressed position of the pedal and the position at which resistance starts to be felt, and I also see the illustration in the operator's manual; but I still can't seem to wrap my brain around exactly how to make the measurement. The drawing in the manual makes it appear that the clutch pedal travels in a straight line when depressed, whereas the pedal actually swings in an arc. So if I hold a straightedge against the resting pedal, with the straightedge and then move the pedal to where I feel resistance, that pedal is no longer against the straightedge. Exactly how should I hold the straightedge, and how should I take the measurement, to ensure minimum error? I'm probably obsessing over something that should be simple, but different interpretations of how to take that measurement result in much different final figures, and the manual says to stay in the range of 20-30mm.
Thanks!

 

[PHILIP8N]

I've never checked mine. The clutch does not slip, and it dis-engages when required. Philip.

 

[Baby Grand]

Since 20 - 30 mm is about 1 inch +/- a little less than a quarter inch, it doesn't have to be terribly precise. Pedal just needs to go about an inch before you feel resistance. Don't sweat it. Difference between arc length and chordal distance at that radius and angle are trivial.

 

[BeezFun]

Is this an HST or gear drive? If it's HST you'll probably never get any wear on the clutch, unless you're spending all your time engaging the bush hog or something. I just make sure there's a little slop in the pedal when I let my foot all the way off. I've never had to adjust mine.

 

[kcender]

I mentioned this measurement to my dealer when I did my 50 hour maintenance,he said they never bother with this check.As long as the clutch is working fine,I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[RickB]

I mentioned this measurement to my dealer when I did my 50 hour maintenance,he said they never bother with this check.

That's pretty scary. Even more so that they would admit it. Pedal freeplay is an important ingredient in dry clutch health. Having it correct to the millimeter is far less important than knowing what freeplay is, and maintaining a reasonable amount.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I use a carpenters tape. I put the little hook end against the floor and hold the extended tape up so it passes the pedal. Note the measurement, push the clutch with my other hand and take that measurement. Subtract the two. Try to find a spot on the floor board to rest the tape end where you dont have to swing the tape to much between measurements. It is not a critical measurement but shouild be done.

 

[k0ua]

I don't have a clutch any more (and when I did, it looked about right and I left it alone) But I did adjust the brakes per the manual. 1 inch of free play, It was more than that, so I tightened it up a little, held my finger in one spot and push the pedal with the other hand... I estimated the 1 inch and left it at that.. I noted that there is still some free play, and I am happy with it. I think you are over thinking this thing.

James K0UA

 

[repete]

I use a carpenters tape. I put the little hook end against the floor and hold the extended tape up so it passes the pedal. Note the measurement, push the clutch with my other hand and take that measurement. Subtract the two. Try to find a spot on the floor board to rest the tape end where you dont have to swing the tape to much between measurements. It is not a critical measurement but shouild be done.

That is how I adjusted mine on my L2550DT yesterday. I noticed minimal free play and took care of it. Mine says to set it at between .75 and .97 inches of free play. I just set it at about 3/4" and called it good.

I am at 4880 hours and never replaced the clutch and this little tractor works hard.