Ford 860 clutch issue? Help.

Igotmine · Jan 1, 2019

Im new to the site, and love the info here. This is my first post. I have inherited several tractors in December, and one of them is a 1956 ford 860 with 3 pt hitch and live pro.I knew nothing about it. Trailered it home, drained and cleaned for a couple days and dropped in a hot battery. Man this thing runs like a dream, the trans is quiet,and the motor is like a brand new one. So hereç—´ the issue. I press the clutch in and the pto shaft will stop completely just like it should. Let the clutch out and pto starts back just fine. But, you cant put it in ant forwards or reverse for the grinding. And if you force it, it takes off like a rocket and standing on the brakes wont stop it.I thought the clutch was stuck. But Id rather not split it just yet. Ive ´e rocked it. Ive lightly tapped on the flywheel through the peep hole on the right side (the one with the cover). NOTHING! ...So finally today I got it out in my field,and I managed to get it all the way up into 5th gear by gently using this hill I have and throttling up and down. So here I am in 5th gear and I go up the hill and push the clutch petal in, and throttle it all the way open. I can definitely tell a difference in that the clutch was trying to disengage, because the motor strain was released (somewhat). And I could feel the torque really hit the rear wheels when I released the petal, and it slung some mud too. But I donç¨š understand why its ´ slipping but not disengage all the way. And Iè‡´e adjusted it both ways.can someone shed some light on this situation? I guess I could have something come apart on the clutch, or pressure plate. But IçŸ¥ not really familiar with a 2 stage clutch system. Help please.

Halftrack · Jan 1, 2019

Some of the those models (600s, 800s) had a 2 stage clutch and what I would call a 2 position clutch pedal. You could pin the pedal at the low position and it would only clutch the transmission. Changing the pin at the pivot point of the clutch pedal would raise the pedal and now you would have a 2 stage clutch which would first disengage the tranny, then the pto. Sounds like it is in the 2 stage settings but out of adjustment to disengage the tranny. A linkage adjustment is in order.

Igotmine · Jan 2, 2019

Ill for sure try to see if I can adjust it out and get it right thanks so much for the info.

strum456 · Jan 2, 2019

You mentioned that the 2nd stage of the clutch for the PTO is working. Considering that, it is doubtful that any adjustment to the clutch linkage will help the primary clutch to disengage, as both stages of the clutch are actuated from the same linkage rod.

Based on the information given, I would guess that the primary clutch is rusted from lack of use. This may not have affected the secondary clutch, because it is located inside of and is protected by the primary clutch.

It must be badly rusted or there is some other problem if you already had it slipping in 5th gear and you aren't noticing an improvement. I don't see any way around splitting the tractor.

Igotmine · Jan 3, 2019

strum456 said:
You mentioned that the 2nd stage of the clutch for the PTO is working. Considering that, it is doubtful that any adjustment to the clutch linkage will help the primary clutch to disengage, as both stages of the clutch are actuated from the same linkage rod.

Based on the information given, I would guess that the primary clutch is rusted from lack of use. This may not have affected the secondary clutch, because it is located inside of and is protected by the primary clutch.

It must be badly rusted or there is some other problem if you already had it slipping in 5th gear and you aren't noticing an improvement. I don't see any way around splitting the tractor.

yes you are correct. after adjusting the clutch out and in, and everywhere in between, this is what I have realized. so, that's a project for a wild Saturday afternoon in Pleasant view, TN. lol

Igotmine · Jan 12, 2019

Good afternoon sir. I have split the tractor, and I may have found a problem, but I’m not sure it would cause these symptoms....I found a small clevis pin laying inside the transmission bell housing. It goes to one of the fingers, and it came loose because the cotter pin use to secure it was missing. After removal of the two stage clutch, I felt the throw out bearing and it feels brand new. But the pilot bearing is a different story. It’s sticky, and it clicks with every quarter turn. My question is, will a loose finger,and a sticky pilot bearing cause this? I may just order new everything and quit guessing. While I got it apart go with all new parts. What are your thoughts?