Blocking the clutch pedal when parked?

[5030]

Humidiitity / moisture content of the ambient air will always be the determining factor as it relates to a clutch bonding to the flywheel in all cases.

 

[masseyrider]

Years back the local Massey dealer got about 12 new, zero hour, orchard model tractors from a dealer in New Jersey.
They had been on the other dealers lot for about a year. The local dealer had to change all the clutches. He said it was because of the proximity to the ocean and humidity where they had been.
We've had more tractors than I can remember over the years and never had a single one with a clutch issue from standing too long.
Mind you, when not being used for more than a day or two they are inside.

 

[dstig1]

You guys got me wondering if I was supposed to be using the little hook that swings up to catch the clutch pedal. I went through the manual for a Kubota L. It shows that hook in a diagram in both the "Operating" and "Maintenance" section but doesn't mention it.

Finally, at the very back under "STORAGE" this diagram is printed again, and it reads, "If you intend to store your tractor for an extended period of time, follow the procedures outlined below." Number 7 on the list is "Keep the clutch disengaged. If the clutch is left engaged for a long period of time, the clutch plate may rust, making clutch disengagement impossible at the next operation."

This overall storage procedure involves a general once-over, changing the oil, greasing exposed hydraulic cylinders, removing the battery, and putting blocks under the axles to get the tires off the ground. So while Kubota does recognize the potential for the clutch to seize up, I'd say this only applies to really long-term storage.

Yep. Was going to post the same thing from my L5240 manual. Back when I stored the tractor offsite in a friend's barn, I would use the hook over the winter as I wouldn't use the tractor in the winter on the property. Haven't done that since then even though now it sits more in the summer as it is used for snow plowing most heavily.

 

[coldsteelva]

On my old MT180D that sits for long periods, I place a steel wedge on the clutch arm just below the floorboard. The return spring holds the wedge in place and the clutch disk can't rust/bond/seize.

 

[2manyrocks]

My MX5200 owners manual shows use of a wooden block to hold the clutch open for storage. My reaction to that is what?????

My Yanmar 226d built in the 1980s at least has a metal hold down clasp on the clutch pedal! What would it have cost Kubota to put a metal clasp on there?

 

[milkman636]

I had a stuck clutch one time on my Ford tractor. It was stored in a barn with a dirt floor for a few months after I bought it’s replacement. Decided it would be a good to get it out and take it for a spin. It predated neutral safety switches, and having the tractor lurch towards the barn wall when I hit the key was pretty exciting. It also required using a phone-a-friend to manually rock it back and forth, while inside the barn, to break it free. Since that day I’ve had a strong preference for backing my tractor into the barn with its front end pointing towards the door opening.

 

[CalG]

I had a 1941 Dodge ton and a half. Parked it for a year cause I didn;t need it.
The clutch rusted together. (Humid NE) . I thought I could get it freed up by bump starting and driving. But no, the friction plate material shredded.

It wasn;t too bad a job replacing the disc from underneath, but MAN, that transmission was heavy!

 

[Mike1955]

Just browsing around the internet tonight, I find some posts about clutches rusting to the flywheel. People said some Kubotas even came with a block of wood meant to hold the clutch pedal down when parked to keep this from happening.

I've never heard of this before. My tractor (L2350) is parked outside and does not get used very often. Is this really something to worry about?View attachment 820766View attachment 820767

My Kubota 4330 has a little thing down at the clutch pedal to hook and keep it down. Mine stays ohm the go all time

 

[varmint]

My L3400 has a drop down lever to block the clutch open for storage. Never used it, but it's there if desired.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

For what it's worth, I grew up in my dad's farm equipment shop and saw a LOT of the old Oliver and Farmall tractors, as well as a few Ford, Fergusson, and even a few JDs. I recall not ONE incident of a stuck clutch. All this in a day that most machines were kept outside. Wonder why it's an issue on the newer machines.

 

[HayFarmer]

1 car and two tractors stuck. The last was this spring because the 9600 hadn't been run for a few years. Lucky it will start in gear. Starter and brakes broke it loose.

 

[EdGooding]

I don't use my '52 8N much anymore so I always keep the clutch pedal blocked. I've read many reports over the years on Ford forums where many folks have come asking how to deal with a frozen clutch. I figure better safe than sorry.

 

[manzer7]

Just browsing around the internet tonight, I find some posts about clutches rusting to the flywheel. People said some Kubotas even came with a block of wood meant to hold the clutch pedal down when parked to keep this from happening.

I've never heard of this before. My tractor (L2350) is parked outside and does not get used very often. Is this really something to worry about?View attachment 820766View attachment 820767

My 1946 Jeep Willys CJ-2A has never had the clutch stick due to rust. However my tiller for my JD Tractor (from Tractor Supply has instructions after use to loosen the clutch so that it does not stick.
First I hear that this happens. My JD 1025R does not have a clutch - so no worry there.

 

[Bentrim]

The surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate get highly polished by the friction material on the clutch disc. In humid weather humidity or moisture from rain or dirt floors etc rust will form on these polished surfaces. Some equipment is better sealed in the clutch housing than others, some may experience a rusted clutch in a few weeks others can be years.
Some manufacturers recommend blocking the pedal down and some even provide hooks or blocks to do so. To be safe block the pedal down if not intending to use the tractor for any length of time. It will not hurt the clutch and may prevent a lot of work or even an accident that could result in injury or death.
When combines were "gear" drive they always recommended the clutch pedal locked down during the off season.
So yes it can happen especially in humid environments.

 

[1M05]

My 1979 Yanmar YM2000D has a metal hook that you hold the clutch pedal down with when stored.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I had a seized clutch on one of my restored classic cars and started blocking. After a year or so, it weakened the clutch springs on my beloved 1957 Chevy convertible. It seemed I just traded one problem for another. In both cases, I had to pull the trans to fix.

A couple of my older HST Kubotas had clutches which were used only for engaging the PTO. I never blocked any of them and never had a problem. The newer HST Kubota's don't have a clutch and engage the PTO electrically.

 

[dirtndents]

Smokeydog has a similar circumstance to several I have experienced with 'Power Wagons', one a 1944, the other a 1952. Both are really Military surplus units, a WC and an M-37, and well 'cared for'. The WC happened first, and it really got me. Dropped the trans and bellhouse only to find out what the problem really was. It took less than a minute with a thin pry to separate the two, then all the time it took to put it all back together. That truck has been stored inside for decades.
The second time around, with the M-37, I figured what was probably going on. I dropped the inspection cover, and easily pried the clutch disc apart while the throw-out bearing was engaged with a 2X4 in the cab, engine off.
If it happens again with the M-37, I can't use Smokeydog's method, although I would want to. The shorter rear axle on the passenger side of the M-37 is prone to breakage on jack rabbiting. Unfortunately, that happened once also. It's one of the trucks Achilles Heels. That truck alternates from inside to outside storage.
Block the clutch pedal. It is cheap insurance that can be done quickly and easily. My Yanmar 336D has a bracket attached that can be dropped into place just for that purpose. Thoughtful engineering.

 

[Big-Foot]

just a random thought here, but if your tractor is stored in a remote location, “locking” the clutch pedal might be a good anti-theft device..
—
I’ve had both cars and motorcycles that the organic clutch lining material “stuck” to the flywheel/pressure plate.. Only once was it so bad that I had to remove the pressure plate to break it loose. It was a brand new clutch, pp and fw that sat for a couple years in a car we were restoring..

 

[Alan46]

“The manual for my HST Kioti says to disengage the clutch when not in use and has a hook that will hold the pedel depressed. Its not at all far fetched for a clutch to stick to the flywheel.”

 

[MutantGenepool]

It can do it for sure. I've had to nose up against a tree to dislodge clutches.