help!

[6shotz]

I have a Branson 2810 (2001 model with 400hrs.) and while snow-blowing tonight something failed. I suspect it is the clutch, but have to figure out how to get it into my shop. The noise it made has me scared that possibly the failure is worse It made a "loud...rubbing-screeching" sound and will no longer move. The motor runs fine, but if I depress the clutch and put it into gear, it makes that awfull sound and will not move.
Have any of you guys had a scenario similar to this? I am just now figuring what I need to do next... we have a long driveway (.3 mi) and it looks like it is going to be a snowy winter (16" and snowing hard currently!)
I do all my own mechanic work and have found these forums to be an awesome resource. There are many talented folks out there with so much more experience than myself. If any of you guys have some insights in to my situation I would be very gratefull.
Thankyou in advance

 

[6shotz]

Also, is it normal to have a clutch failure "all-at-once" and to make those kind of noises???:confused2:

 

[Walker1]

Does the noise happen when you push in the clutch, or when you put it in gear? Does the noise continue when you let out the clutch while in/out of gear? Clutch failure is generally gradual. Throw out bearing failure could happen all at once but usually comes on slowly. Not familiar with your tractor, but sounds like it could be some other driven accessory (pump, PTO, etc).

 

[6shotz]

Walker1,
Thank you for your reply.
With it running and out of gear, no noise. When I depress the clutch I get (some) noise and feel some vibration through the pedal, if I engage the transmission while clutch depressed, I get more noise...if I let out the clutch while in gear I get much noise and no forward/reverse motion.
This is a 28hp Branson 4wd, I bought it new 15 years ago. Its been an awesome little machine with very few issues over the years. I did have to replace the drive gear on the primary hydraulic pump last winter and the hydraulics are currently functioning well. I do use it pretty hard when I run it (plowing/blowing snow, field mowing, pulling logs, bull dozing:biggrin:, etc...

 

[Walker1]

I take it this is some sort of torque converter drive and not a standard manual transmission.

 

[6shotz]

It is a manual transmission with 12 forward/reverse (1-4, 3 ranges) and a forward/reverse "shuttle".

 

[banjodunn]

G'day it sounds to me like you have torn the centre out of the clutch plate have to split it to find out for sure



Jon

 

[6shotz]

G'day it sounds to me like you have torn the centre out of the clutch plate have to split it to find out for sure



Jon

banjodunn,
G'day! Well I spent last night searching the web and looking at pics of different clutch failures, what you are saying makes sense. I sure hope the transmission is all ok. Today I'll go out and get the FEL & snow blower separated from it and get her pushed into the shop and thawed out. I've never split a tractor case before...that should be a good education :muttering:

 

[oldnslo]

Did Branson put any inspection access points on the clutch housing? Some tractors had covers that you could remove to inspect the clutch assembly without having to split the tractor.

 

[6shotz]

I don't think so, but I will surely check.
Does anybody know what the best source for replacement clutch components might be??

 

[Everhard]

Wild shot in the dark - besides making sure the range selector isn't stuck between ranges and in particular check the linkages for the shifters to make sure something didn't fall apart unseen. (assuming you haven't already checked this!)

E.

 

[6shotz]

Linkages all look good. Found the clutch inspection plate, but the hole is so small I can't really see much. Succeeded in removing plow and blower today & got it pushed into the shop, thawed out, then started disassembly. It's an "open deck?" tractor with lots of sheet metal covering everything. It took a while but now I'm down to 3 hydraulic lines and then pulling the bolts around the bell housing. I don't have a good way to support the two halves, so decided to stop and maybe tomorrow build a bracket with little wheels on it which will be bolted up to the front section & then use a floor jack secured to the back section.

I appreciate the input guys. I'll take some pics as I go, perhaps they will be of use to someone else encountering a similar issue.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day good idea with the trolley under the front you will want to make some wooden wedges to drive in between the front axle and the chassis to stop it from pivoting on the axle pivot


Jon

 

[gstrom99]

You'll probably find a hydraulic hoist ("cherrypicker") to be very useful. This will let you lift and pull the back (or front) away from the other (supported) half...

 

[6shotz]

You'll probably find a hydraulic hoist ("cherrypicker") to be very useful. This will let you lift and pull the back (or front) away from the other (supported) half...

I know this is an old thread, but I did not follow up with what I found and how I was able to resolve it all. This may be helpful to someone else.
The clutch plate center splined (hub) section stripped out. looked just like it had been machined, nice & smooth! I'm told this earlier model of Branson has what is called a "Bellville" clutch. Just my luck... this made it difficult to locate and about $1000.00 delivered!
I fabbed up a "dolly" for the front half of the tractor and it worked very well (I copied how some other guys had done it). It has been three years since the repair and no problems. I wish I had a little more horse power, but other than that, I love this little tractor. I have had it for about 18 yrs. now and don't know what I would do without it.