freewheeling PTO

PineRidge · May 11, 2006

Andy the good news is that if you use a PTO operated implement like a finish mower and then disconnect it from the tractor as long as you haven't spun the PTO the splines will match up the next time that you reconnect the mower again.

DocHeb · May 11, 2006

You have a mid-PTO. If the tractor does not have a mid-PTO, there is only one lever - the PTO clutch lever. When the PTO lever is in the off position the PTO shaft is held firmly in place by the PTO brake . If you are able to turn your shaft freely (and there isn't a mid-PTO), the PTO brake is malfunctioning.

AndyG · May 11, 2006

I kinda wish that my PTO brake would malfunction. I'm not quite sure what the point of having a PTO brake is anyway. It does a good job of making me cuss! Maybe that is what it is for.

Propertymaint · May 11, 2006

I just re-read Jinman's post. My TC40D does have both the rear and mid pto's. Mine has 4 levers on the left fender - mid PTO lever, Rear PTO lever, PTO engagement lever and the 4wd lever. If your tractor only has the rear PTO does that mean there is only one PTO lever (PTO engagement) on the left fender (besides the 4wd lever)? Glad I got the mid PTO option. Actually five levers on the left fender - I forgot about the range lever!

kensfarm · May 11, 2006

( I kinda wish that my PTO brake would malfunction. )

Yep.. once the PTO brake is broken.. you can turn the shaft by hand.. mine is. But.. the PTO shaft will spin even when not engaged.. now I always have to turn the engine off to hook/un-hook an implement.

AndyG · May 11, 2006

( I just re-read Jinman's post. My TC40D does have both the rear and mid pto's. Mine has 4 levers on the left fender - mid PTO lever, Rear PTO lever, PTO engagement lever and the 4wd lever. If your tractor only has the rear PTO does that mean there is only one PTO lever (PTO engagement) on the left fender (besides the 4wd lever)? Glad I got the mid PTO option. )
I only have the rear PTO because my tractor has super steer. The left fender has the range, PTO, and 4wd levers.

jinman · May 11, 2006

Andy, considering all you've said, I think you'd be a lot happier with that overrunning clutch. They are only about $50 or thereabouts at TSC. You'll be able to rotate it to any position and never have to worry about the PTO brake except when you engage your PTO. Lower the engine RPM to about 1200 and slowly engage the PTO for best results. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Patti · May 13, 2006

Hi ~
Newbie here, hope this isn't a "guys only" forum and that I'm asking this in the right thread (from reading, sounds like I could have a PTO problem).
My friend borrowed my 1996 New Holland FWD 1715 diesel and used the PTO (first time the PTO was ever used) with a post hole auger (which they said didn't work very well). Now there is no power to the drive wheels - it only "crawls" in low range and no drive at all in mid/high range. I "think" the clutch is OK, the bucket and 3-point lift are OK.
I'm getting too old to do major mechanical work myself but am fairly adept at troubleshooting if I have some guidelines to things to try/look for. This tractor is my lifeline to staying independent on my little ranch - I usually have someone from the dealer come out and service it once a year - but they are saying major clutch work in the shop and it will cost a small fortune to get it just hauled in. I'm hoping it's something simple I've overlooked (and I'd rather spend the $$ to buy my own auger to put up some fence).
Thanks a bunch - and please redirect me if this should go on a different thread. (I've also posted this on some "Ford Tractor sites, but you guys sound like you know what you're doing.)

Patti in AZ
(with 4 horses, 2 dogs and getting tired of hauling hay by wheelbarrow)

jinman · May 14, 2006

( ...from reading, sounds like I could have a PTO problem). )

Patti, welcome to the forum. This is definitely not an all-male forum; although, you will hear a lot of us joking about tractors being "man's work" and that we should keep our wives off of them so they think we are working instead of having fun. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I'm afraid from your description that your tractor does indeed have a slipping clutch. I would think there should be an adjustment for the clutch and you might get by with only that, but I'm not an expert on your tractor type and how the clutch is actuated. I'm just familiar enough with clutches to say that all I've ever seen had some type of adjustment in the rod going from the pedal to the clutch throw-out bearing (release mechanism).

If your clutch was slipping, it surely would have been worn more by trying to use a PTO implement. I would say it's either in need of replacement or adjustment for sure. I can't think of anything else on a gear tractor that would cause the symptoms you describe. Sorry...it's time for some clutch work. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Patti · May 14, 2006

( Sorry...it's time for some clutch work. )

Thanks Jim ~
I just got a service manual, so I'll see if I can give clutch adjustment a go - if it doesn't help I'll bite the bullet and find a way to haul it in.

Been reading the safety threads - great reminders especially as if I did have a wreck, only my 4-legged kids would be around to help (and I promise I won't let on how sensitive you guys really are /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Patti in AZ
4 horses, 2 dogs and lots of "stuff" needs hauling