Rotary Cutter JD 5103 PTO slows down

[MississippiGuy]

The PTO slows down and almost stops when I run the cutter into high grass. I have to slow the tractor down and let the PTO catch back up. It has never done this before, any thoughts?

 

[rustyshakelford]

Sounds like it's low on power if you're cutting the same stuff in similar conditions. First I'd check is fuel filters. Air filters and if it has a turbo all the boots.

Brett

 

[MississippiGuy]

Thanks Britt, The tractor runs fine, RPM's are good. its the PTO turning the Cutter that slows down when I run it in high grass.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Does it have a slip clutch that's to loose? The pto shaft is usually hand in hand with the engine rpm. If the shaft speed is slowing and the engine speed isn't something isn't right. If your mowing and the tractor rpms start to slow down due to the thickness of the grass and it hasn't done that before than it might be low on power.

Brett

 

[notuck]

Like rusty I wonder if the cutter has a slipper clutch that is slipping excessively. As I am not familiar with the JD 5103, I do not know if it has an independent PTO, if so, it could also be the PTO clutch that is slipping excessively.

 

[SkeeterFood]

My first question is about how long you've had this problem. Are either the tractor or the mower a newer purchase? Have you ever cut taller grasses with this mower when it didn't slow down?

My other question is, have you checked the hydraulic flow to your remotes? There's usually an adjustment that can limit flow, which means limiting your available power to the attachment.

Might also check (if you haven't already) your hydraulic level, as well as the hydraulic filters.

When I had a rotary cutter, it would bog down in taller grasses also. Reason being, they're specifically designed for thicker, more woody vegetation. They have thick blades. You "can" replace the thicker blades with thinner blades and your cutting in taller grasses will improve dramatically - just don't hit any stumps, logs or rocks!

 

[JD5210]

While you are checking things. I suggest also checking the PTO clutch adjustment on the tractor. Here is a link to your operators manual, on how to do it. Should you need it.

http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMRE268160_19/?tM=FR

 

[Lineman North Florida]

My money is on a slip clutch on the rotary mower slipping.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would check the slip clutch on the mower first if it has one. If it has a shear pin instead of a slip clutch on the mower I would then check the pto clutch adjustment.

Should be one or the other of these two problems and the mower slip clutch is the more likely culprit.

 

[gf5205]

Check the bolt that holds the PTO lever on. If it loosens, and mine has a couple of times on a 5203, the PTO isn't fully engaged.
Greg