1715 clutch issue

sdsherer · May 17, 2025

Been having intermittent clutch problems. Slipping, not able to go into gear, nothing consistent. Finally decided to split the tractor. Although showing wear, the clutch and pressure plate seemed OK. What I did find was that the "hub" that connects the throw-out bearing to the pedal forks seemed to be rotated perhaps 45 degrees. It could be easily moved back into place. This, in turn, seemed to cause one of the ears of the hub to wear. See the photos. I am afraid to put this hub back in, as it will likely rotate again, but this part may be hard to find. Perhaps weld and grind the corner back to shape?

Has anyone seen this before and what are your thoughts? Thanks.

Harry in Ky · May 18, 2025

I would say that's a good plan if you can't (or choose not to) find a replacement. I would also look at the fork for wear, or just sloppy fit. Maybe you can add a bit of metal to certain spots on the contact surfaces to help reduce clearances a little to snug things up a bit as well. If you found the unit had rotated it's obviously too loose in the fork.

Dataway · May 18, 2025

It's been a long time since I replaced the clutch on my 1715 ... was there no roll pin or anything that keeps the hub from rotating?

BTW, since we moved to 31 acres in TN the 1715 has been getting a heck of a workout, lots of running a 5' reverse rotation tiller, and a 5' bushhog. It's been bullet proof so far with 1300 hours on it. (hopefully I didn't just curse myself)

sdsherer · May 26, 2025

Thanks for the replies. I have a theory as to why the forks get misaligned on the hub. It looks like too much end-to-end movement of the 3/4 inch rod that goes through the case that the hub goes through. In these first two pics, you can see that there's about 3/4 inches on both ends that the rod can move. Since the forks piece is positively attached to the rod, it can move side to side quite a bit. The stop on the hub is not very robust, and if the forks move too much I can imagine the hub turning.

I have ordered new bushings for that through-rod, but not sure they will help. I do plan to add some spacer washers to the outside ends of the rod to keep it from moving back and forth. We'll see what happens. Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Harry in Ky · May 26, 2025

I think you're missing the point. I don't see the shaft moving side to side so much of a problem as the sleeve being too loose within the fork. I would be looking to tack some shims of some sort on each side of the sleeve so it has less room to try and rotate. If the fork and sleeve were a tighter fit the fork and shaft couldn't move either way, spacer washers or not.

sdsherer · May 27, 2025

Thanks. Something to consider....

grcutter · May 30, 2025

This clutch release hub for the 1715 with double release clutch appears to be available.
Messick's has a new one and Wenger's is showing a used one.
The part number appears to be
SBA320310380
But images of this part look different than the one in your pictures. In particular, they look to be shorter than yours.
There is also a hub for the 1715 for the single release clutch which is part number SBA320310390. This part appears to be longer, like yours, but it still looks different.

Also, it looks like there are 2 surfaces on your part that are worn. Clearly the tab with the chamfered corner but also the surface below that which is no longer flat but ramped. From pictures of other release hubs, that other surface appears to be flat.