CK20 Worries Me

gilbertmsg · Feb 5, 2008

I have a CK20 with approx. 12 hrs. I was using only the loader only until I picked up a 4' bush hog yesterday. My concerns are when clutch is depressed when cutter is engaged, I hear a clattering noise in the clutch/PTO area underneath the tractor. I was so concerned, I loaded on trailer and went to dealer. Mechanic there stated it was the cupler in the clutch. I said great and back to the house to continue my work. This is my second tractor, first did not last very long, purchased off internet. I can take the rear PTO out of gear and the noise will go away, clutch depressed or not. I have about 70 hours of seat time on the old tractor and never heard any noises stated above while using a finish mower. I'm just concerned of messing up my new tractor.

Thanks

Eddie

KAB · Feb 5, 2008

That would be the overrunning clutch (I think it is the correct term) it is perfectly normal and you will have no problems.

Kurt

mark.r · Feb 5, 2008

You say when the clutch is depressed. Are sitting still with the blades spinning on the cutter? What happens when you drive off and start cutting material?

gilbertmsg · Feb 5, 2008

Thanks for posts Kurt & Mark, it is a loud noise, but it does go away as soon as I release the clutch and go back to mowing. Nothing like a second opinion.

Eddie

ToadHill · Feb 5, 2008

If your CK20 is like my DK35 the PTO is activated by an electric selinoid. When you get ready to engage it, set the tractor to idle and increase it ro running speed after the PTO engages. It reduces the noise to almost nothing.

mark.r · Feb 5, 2008

ToadHill said:
If your CK20 is like my DK35 the PTO is activated by an electric selinoid. When you get ready to engage it, set the tractor to idle and increase it ro running speed after the PTO engages. It reduces the noise to almost nothing.

This is great advice especially with the brush cutter. The noise much more noticeable vs. a finishing mower and can be rather violet if done with the RPM's to high.

Dmace · Feb 5, 2008

To engage the PTO, you lower the rpm - push in the clutch - move the PTO lever to on - slowly let out the clutch and raise rpms to desired amount.

To disengage the PTO, you do not need to use the clutch. I just grab the PTO lever and slide it to OFF. I think the point of the over running clutch is so that if you want to slow down the attachment that is spinning at 540rpms, you can push in the clutch and it will click like a sun-of-a-gun but slow it down quicker. With my snowblower, I just slide the lever to off and let it stop on its own.

Any pics of the little monster?

Spider · Feb 6, 2008

The overrun clutch on the PTO as far as I am aware is to protect the engine of the tractor, PTO shaft and PTO drive mechanism if the cutting head hits something solid. If this was not in place then the whole system would be 'jarred' when the cutter heads stop rotating. It can also be a benefit the opposite way when too many revs are trying to start a stationary cutting head moving.

driver444 · Feb 6, 2008

Actually, the purpose of that over-running clutch is so the turning momentum of your brush hog doesn't feed back through the PTO shaft and through your transmission. It's basically like a ratchet. Power can only be transmitted in one direction.

THE REASON FOR THIS...
If you get those blades spinning fast, and put the clutch in to stop fast or change direction, (with the PTO still engaged) the rotational momentum of the blades will actually force the tractor forward. It's like a giant flywheel. That clutch lets the PTO shaft "over-run". It's a safety feature so you can remain in control of the tractor. And YES, they make a God awful noise, but you're not doing any damage.

I believe the last post was referring to a "slip-clutch" That is to prevent damage to the drivetrain if you hit something. It takes the place of a shear bolt.

gilbertmsg · Feb 6, 2008

I'm doing everything the correct way, just working in a tight area, (have to push in clutch often to move around in area that is being cleared. I can disengage the rear PTO and the noise quits, but have to wait until blades on hog stops before I can start again. I will post some pictures tonight after I finish playing or working. This little tractor can really move some material.

Eddie