970 clutch worn out 625 hrs

[Anonymous Poster]

I just had a $2,100 clutch replacement on my 970 with only 625 hours since new. This machine has been used for mowing grass on a level yard.......anybody else have this pre-mature failure? Yes, it has had regular service and adjustment. parts were $1500+.

CNgreen

 

[Gunfighter]

Fifteen hundred dollars ($1500) nearly knocked my socks off. Did they give you a break down on the cost of each part??? I did an old Farmall last year, the pressure plate, clutch disk, throw out bearing and resurface the fly wheel cost less then $300 dollars total. Labor not included...

I have a JD 790, wonder how much play should be in the clutch pedal. My truck has about a half inch but the 790 seems to be solid...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The individual parts for repair was about $1300. the complete clutch unit new is $1500+. I went with the new unit.

The pedal freeplay on the 970 should be 3/4" to 7/8". which i had until failure when it became solid...zero freeplay.

May want to check specs for your 790.

I just bought old JD-M to restore, it's going to take a long time for that to happen now after this unexpected repair $$ to 970.

 

[DK35vince]

Good grief $1500 clutchs,$400 starters,$80 brake shoes x 4.
Makes me think I should sell off my J D 850.

 

[tractorman]

We replace many clutch's during the course of a year. Most of the time it is due to the operator riding the clutch. I lent an almost new tractor out to a neighbor once, got it back that night with no clutch left. It doesn't take long. I don't know why J.D. charges so much for their two stage clutch assemblys. We are able to buy the identical units aftermarket for much less $$$

 

[RoyJackson]

Interesting about the clutch going out in so few hours.
I've found most of my clutch work is when using the FEL. However, I've also found that I can control the machine using a combination of hand throttle, foot throttle and clutch..but using the clutch very little.
Also, with my 670, I have to come to a complete stop to shift. Not the easiest methodology for FEL work I'm sure...but if I was using the machine professionally (where hours count), I'd probably have a reverser.

tractorman..where do you get those aftermarket clutches? And, have you ever converted a single stage clutch to a dual stage? Is that feasible?

 

[pfoxy]

Wolbert, I wouldn't worry about it. My 750 is 14 years old, over 2400 hours, and it's had a HARD life, and it's still on the original clutch and brakes. In fact, other than fluids and filters, the only thing that's been replaced is the battery and the shaft seals on the rockshaft.

Darn thing is bullet proof.

And aitch ee double hockey sticks will freeze over before those crooks at JD get $1500 out of ME for a clutch job!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would like the source of the after market parts, please. I am finding the clutch pre-mature wear out is going to be a re-occuring event for the 970. according to parts manager @ dealership 625 hours of use is a lot of time before failure as compared to owners that work their machines, I only mow 3 acres of grass, on level ground, once a week.
THE CLUTCH IS AN EXPENSIVE WEAK LINK.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...anybody else have this pre-mature failure? ...</font color=blue>

Most of the time... it's the operator resting his foot on the clutch pedal or constantly riding the clutch causing the problem... and not equipment... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

 

[Von]

Wow, thats way too much! I'm glad I have a hydro, only need the clutch when shifting PTO and starting. I bet the clutchs on hydros never need to be changed! Makes the that extra $ spent when paying for the hydro well worth it!

 

[RobS]

<font color=blue>Most of the time... it's the operator resting his foot on the clutch pedal or constantly riding the clutch </font color=blue>

Or the clutch release linkage not adjusted properly /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Wrong adjustments and improper useage of pedal are simplistic causes. This is not the case here. freeplay adjustment has been maintained and I don't ride the clutch. at least not for the last 20 years.

 

[pfoxy]

Mebbe so, but when something in that hydro DOES go, a $1500 clutch is gonna seem like a heck of a deal...

Call me old-fashioned, but I'll stay with my stick-shift...

 

[Nuru]

Von, no kidding, thank God I got a HST also, whew almost bit the big one there!

 

[ScottAR]

I have over 1000hrs. on the original clutch in the 1050. I find it difficult to believe that 625hrs. is a long time for clutch life unless your constantly shifting.

I am however on my 2nd replacment set of brakes. A minor annoyance at most.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The latest from JD dealer, according to the factory rep is
clutch life expectancy, with all variables of usage, operator style and maintenance adjustments is 500 to 1,000 hours....The rep also noted that clutches are not covered by any warranty
Salesman forgot to mention those details!

 

[normde2001]

Please excuse my bringing up an old post, (Yanmar owner just getting around to reading John Deere posts). but what were your symptoms of a bad clutch, and did they show you the bad parts? Of course they probably have plenty of bad clutch parts around.