Clutch is stuck!

[Junkman]

I concede that you are correct. After doing some reading and asking a friend that is more familiar with tractor clutch/hydro set ups, he said that the tree method might work and to do it in high gear. He also said that it might just tear the clutch facing off the disk if it is rusted up solid.

 

[Mayhem]

So how does a clutch get "Stuck"?
Is this simply from age and lack of use to where it just rusted up?

 

[RobertN]

From sitting without use, and moisture buildup. While sitting, there can be moisture around and permeate the disc a little. Once that happens, if the the flywheel surface starts to rust, it will adhere everything together.

Things like cars and tractors do not "sit" very well. Moisture builds in the engine, things like clutches and brakes get corosion which binds them, seals dry out and start to leak...

 

[JimR]

You can also try just driving in forward with the cluth depressed and snap it into reverse. I would try it going slow. Another thing to try is to pull a large tree, stump, car, pickup, whatever around with the clutch depressed. As mentioned above, you may tear the face off the clutch plate. At this point in time you have nothing to lose.

 

[Tim_D]

Thanks to all you guys, I knew I could count on you for your valued opinions! Scarie about breaking off the facing of the clutch surface,,, did not think of that.
Yes, I have checked for a stick in the linkage rod, matter of fact I had to take the rod off the tractor to free it up to attempt an adjustment. I have a tiller on the tractor currently, I will try keeping the clutch peddle depressed during my next tilling job.
Thanks again for all your ideas guys!
Tim

 

[NIXON]

Tim .
No suggestions here ! But I certainly hope that your problem is solved without anything costly . Anyway , welcome to TBN .
Hopefully your posts in future will be less stressful to You. John

 

[Junkman]

As it has been pointed out, it is moisture. When a vehicle or tractor with a clutch is going to be stored for a while and moisture is going to be a concern, the best thing to do is use something to hole the clutch pedal down. This way, the clutch lining will not be in contact with the pressure plate and flywheel. The clutch disk is sandwiched between these two parts and when the clutch is released, it transmits the energy from one to the other. Rust is always a major problem with any machinery that isn't used regularly. When I take my old car out for a ride after it has been in storage, the brakes always grab, because of the rust on the inside of the drums. After a few stops, this rust is worn off and the brakes act normally again. The same can happen with clutch linings...

 

[Tim_D]

Hey thanks for your input 'Junkman' and 'Nixon'.
Nixon-it was stressful for me making this discovery after owning it for a month, felt really stupid that I didnt discover it before the purchase. The bright side of all this that the drive powers the tractor as it should, I just do not have the control (of the Clutch Pedal) that is possible. I will live with it for now as I do not plan to use the PTO that frequently.
JunkMan - you must have a vast experiance with these Kubota's and/or mechanics in general. I am the 3rd owner of this B20 so it is hard telling how long the clutch has been stuck. It is possible it has been seized for years. For now I will take the conservative approach here and not force a clutch distruction. I bought the tractor to use not another ($) project !
Thanks again, Tim

 

[Glenn1]

The manual for my B7500 has instructions for using the wood blocks supplied with the tractor to prevent this problems. The maunual says to install the blocks if the tractor is parked more than two weeks. I have been told it is due to the new material for clutchs due the health issues with asbestos.