2003 New Holland TC40

[Cameront]

I’ve seen some posts that refer somewhat close to my problem but haven’t figure it out yet so feel free to redirect if needed! My tractor seemed to be lacking power and occasionally seemed like adjusting the clutch linkage helped some but never gave the power I’ve seen the tractor have again. The tractor wouldn’t climb 10-15 degree slope in L-4 and all higher gears. I went ahead and did a complete fluid/filter change thinking there could potentially be an issue there. No change after the fluid change and cracked right up like it always does. I drove the tractor for a few minutes and decided to check the clutch linkage again. I made the linkage a bit tighter and a bit looser than where I thought it needed to be with no change in power and then (only minutes of idling the machine during these changes) the tractor no longer will move within any gear. If I bump it into fwd or rev it acts likes it’s going to move but then nothing at all.
Thanks for any help!!

 

[Harry in Ky]

On a straight gear drive tractor (assuming that's what you have) changing fluids and filters won't give a worn out clutch new life.

A clutch adjustment is just that. An adjustment. It will not rejuvenate a worn clutch. If done properly and done when needed, it can help minimize clutch wear, but if done after the clutch is worn beyond serviceability then it's not much help. You may be at that point.

 

[nyone]

Theres a spec on the clutch adjustment. I believe it needs 1in of freeplay.

What's it doing that it cant climb? Running out of power, tires stop spinning or just starts digging in?

Mine will climb until the wheels spin. If it's a power issue have you ran any injector cleaner through it?

 

[5030]

Sure glad neither of mine have a clutch or a hydrostat either. Sounds like it's split time to me.

 

[Cameront]

Thanks all! I have 1” of slop in the clutch. It’s runs out of power when trying to climb or push a load etc. RPM is there but no power. Soon after all this happened I adjusted the clutch a little more and then couldn’t get the tractor to move at all. I towed the tractor with the clutch blocked to try to free the clutch if it was stuck and it started to move again shortly after and then I blocked the clutch for a day. When I went to restart it and can’t get it to even click anymore. Seems like I may have a safety that went bad or something now too?

 

[Tinhack]

You don't mention how many hours are on the tractor or the year. The only adjustment to a clutch is pedal free play. If the free play is correct, then you need a new clutch. And most likely a new flywheel because you've probably trashed that too by running it while it's slipping. While you have it split, replace the release bearing, rear seal and pilot bearing. Those are commonly used up too.

If you don't have a concrete workspace, rolling jacks and jack stands, take it to a dealer to replace the parts. The tractor will have to be split behind the engine to replace the above parts.

 

[Cameront]

You don't mention how many hours are on the tractor or the year. The only adjustment to a clutch is pedal free play. If the free play is correct, then you need a new clutch. And most likely a new flywheel because you've probably trashed that too by running it while it's slipping. While you have it split, replace the release bearing, rear seal and pilot bearing. Those are commonly used up too.

If you don't have a concrete workspace, rolling jacks and jack stands, take it to a dealer to replace the parts. The tractor will have to be split behind the engine to replace the above parts.

Thanks! It’s a 2003 with 1050 hours

 

[nyone]

Thanks all! I have 1” of slop in the clutch. It’s runs out of power when trying to climb or push a load etc. RPM is there but no power. Soon after all this happened I adjusted the clutch a little more and then couldn’t get the tractor to move at all. I towed the tractor with the clutch blocked to try to free the clutch if it was stuck and it started to move again shortly after and then I blocked the clutch for a day. When I went to restart it and can’t get it to even click anymore. Seems like I may have a safety that went bad or something now too?

That dosnt even make sence. With the clutch properly adjusted is there play at the bell housing? I believe there is a pedal stop or linkage stop external of the trans. You need to make sure there isnt much force pushing against the clutch pressure plate..becids the weight of the linkages.

I'm not sure if theres a inspection port but I would be sure to look for one and take a peek in there.