Another question about using the clutch

[AlbertC]

First let me say, obviously I didn’t grow up around tractors so forgive my ignorance. As I said I have a NH 3930. Been using it for about 10 hears to bushhog my grass pastures. It is level ground but I do have patches where the weeds or noxious grasses are thicker. Also has a some obstacles like trees and stumps. I put about 25-30 hours per year on it. Have not had any problems with the tractor other than battery replacement about 10 years ago.

When cutting, I do use the clutch a lot to slow the tractor down to slow down to avoid and go around obstacles like trees or stumps. In certain areas I have to do a lot of slowing down while turning to avoid said obstacles. I usually put the tractor in a (what seems to me to be an appropriate speed) and usually leave it at the selected gear for the entire time I am cutting the pasture. I do depress the clutch partially to slow down when making these twists and turns while avoiding the obstacles. I’m now concerned that I may be overusing the clutch. I’ve not had any noticeable problems with the clutch, but as I said am now concerned that my technique may be harming my tractor.

Any advice for me? Thanks

 

[lman]

The only obvious thing to do would be to shift into a lower gear when you have to use the clutch. The clutch was not designed to alter your speed and will be damaged when using it the way you are. Since you have to step on the clutch anyway, just downshift to save the clutch

 

[RjCorazza]

X2 on don't routinely slip the clutch. Downshift as required.

 

[ptsg]

Don't slip the clutch. Press the clutch, drop a gear or two, release the clutch and keep going. Gears are there to be used and clutches don't like slipping.

 

[sandman2234]

Just to add a small detail about that clutch. Keep your foot off the pedal. The clutch apparently has taken quite a bit of abuse it wasn't designed for, if you're doing what you describe. The tendency to leave your foot sitting on the pedal becomes a habit. The more you do it, the more the habit cements itself into your brain. A clutch has a throw-out bearing that is made for intermittent use and will very quickly burn itself out if your foot rests on the pedal. Your foot needs to stay on the floorboard of the tractor and a quick jab to change gears and immediately back to the floorboard.
End of rant,
David from jax

 

[ericm979]

Don't slip the clutch. Press the clutch, drop a gear or two, release the clutch and keep going. Gears are there to be used and clutches don't like slipping.

The NH (Ford) 3930 came with either an 8 speed gear transmission or a 8 speed synchronized shuttle transmission.

If his tractor has the gear transmission, it's likely unsynchronized and he'll need to stop to shift it. My Deere 5105 is the same. I try to plan my mowing so my turns don't require slowing down, and try to avoid stopping and backing up because it uses the clutch. If I do I press the clutch pedal in fully rather than slipping it. If I'm mowing a pasture that's on a hill I pick a gear that works for the uphill and downhill legs and accept that it's slower than I could go on the cross hill parts.

You can also throttle down some, though that will affect the mower's performance.

 

[ptsg]

The NH (Ford) 3930 came with either an 8 speed gear transmission or a 8 speed synchronized shuttle transmission.

If his tractor has the gear transmission, it's likely unsynchronized and he'll need to stop to shift it. My Deere 5105 is the same. I try to plan my mowing so my turns don't require slowing down, and try to avoid stopping and backing up because it uses the clutch. If I do I press the clutch pedal in fully rather than slipping it. If I'm mowing a pasture that's on a hill I pick a gear that works for the uphill and downhill legs and accept that it's slower than I could go on the cross hill parts.

You can also throttle down some, though that will affect the mower's performance.

When I had the little Kubota B7000 and now with the Agria, both unsynchronized transmissions, I shift the main gears on the move all the time.

Once you get the hang of it, you can do it easily without any grinding. On the Agria, I can also shift between ranges on the move.

Foot throttle helps a lot too but not a requirement. Throttle down, shift, throttle up and keep going.

 

[Harry in Ky]

What you're doing with the clutch has it's downsides, yes, but if you're also having noticeable issues while operating, you had better check your pedal adjustment before using it again. It may well be at the point where further damage is just around the corner. It MUST have some free play in the pedal or a new clutch is in your near future. It may be anyway, but give it a chance. You should be able to push the pedal down with two fingers an inch or so before the resistance becomes too great for the two fingers. You should feel (and probably hear) the throw out bearing contact the release levers at that point. If you can't do that, then look under the foot plate for the adjustment clevis. Remove the pin, unscrew the clevis a few turns and try again until you have achieved that.

 

[Jstpssng]

When I had the little Kubota B7000 and now with the Agria, both unsynchronized transmissions, I shift the main gears on the move all the time.

Once you get the hang of it, you can do it easily without any grinding. On the Agria, I can also shift between ranges on the move.

Somebody who is just learning should forgo this advice.

Whether a tractor, pickup, semi or motorcycle; don't slip the clutch unless you like down time and repair bills.

 

[DarkBlack]

I do depress the clutch partially to slow down when making these..

Don’t partially depress the clutch. Either off the clutch or fully depressed.