Adjustment of slip clutch on a Bush Hog 286

[CobyRupert]

With the clutch loosen, put it under a load to slip the clutches. Either increase your RPM’s or cut some heavy grass. Mark the clutches before engaging your PTO so you know it gas slipped.

Suddenly starting the PTO with a good amount of engine rpm will slip things, but I find most positive method is:
With engine off, turn on PTO, (unnecessary if PTO has a brake lock), reach under raised hog (backed-up by a safety jack), grab blade and pull.
If you turn the blade but PTO shaft doesn’t turn, clutch is slipping.

 

[CobyRupert]

It is possible the clutches are stuck together even rusted together. I promise you if you hit something just right they will slip/work if the correct tension is on the springs.

May be rusted. This is why he should loosen and slip them to break the rust before he hits something.

 

[Beeenvenue]

Grab a paint pen and mark a line across the clutch disks. Try to slip. When the line is no longer continuous across all clutch elements it is because they have slipped. Retorque and go cut.

 

[CoyPatton]

Suddenly starting the PTO with a good amount of engine rpm will slip things, but I find most positive method is:
With engine off, turn on PTO, (unnecessary if PTO has a brake lock), reach under raised hog (backed-up by a safety jack), grab blade and pull.
If you turn the blade but PTO shaft doesn’t turn, clutch is slipping.

Who said anything about suddenly starting the PTO with engine RPM’s up besides you?
While at an idle, the loose clutch may nit slip, it likely will as you increase RPM’s. And while your description of turning the blade is correct, it does provide the removal of any glazing on the components or other items such ad rust build up—the entire reason for the proper maintenance of a slip clutch so it will function as designed