How to tell if clutch is stuck?

[Justmares]

We have a John Deere 870, 1994 with low miles. We went to use our tractor after it had been sitting for a month or so and we could not get it into gear while depressing the clutch. I took the cover off the side of the tractor to see the clutch and when the clutch is depressed I can see the clutch move in and out. When the tractor is started with the clutch pushed in the clutch assembly rotates with the engine is this normal? Should the clutch be stopped when the clutch is depressed and the engine is started? How do I tell if the clutch is stuck or need adjustment? If it is stuck, how do we unstick it?

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN.....

The clutch plate is bolted to the flywheel so it will turn with the engine. It is the clutch disc sandwiched between the two that disengaged the tractor's transmission when the pedal is depressed. IMO your clutch disc is stuck to the flywheel and plate.
I have had success freeing the disc on both tractors and motor vehicles by starting them in gear and driving them around while alternately hitting the throttle then the brake. Preferably in an open field free of obstacles, buildings. other vehicles etc. Everyone I have done has freed up within 5 minutes of driving.
Once it is freed up, the next time you park the tractor block the clutch pedal down to release the disc so it doesn't stick to either plate.

 

[Justmares]

Thanks for the reply, we can't start the tractor in gear, it is one of the permissives. But we are able to get it in gear. We'll try that tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

[jaxs]

Since you have the cover off,look at a drawing of clutch assembly to identify clutch disk,tie clutch pedal down and use a large screwdriver to pry disk loose. Never put any kind of oil or other solvents on the clutch.
If you are able to start in gear and drive around as George suggested,having a plow that can engage the ground will help with breaking it loose. If you are unable to start in gear,towing in gear with another tractor while holding clutch down might unstick it.

 

[Tx Jim]

I think it will be impossible to visually see traction clutch disc looking through a clutch housing inspection hole because PP(key 13) will be blocking view of clutch. Sometimes one can tie/block down clutch pedal,start engine then get unit to operating temp clutch disc will come loose from flywheel or PP. Spraying clutch/PP assembly with brake cleaner might help.

 

[3Lfarms]

Welcome to TBN.....

The clutch plate is bolted to the flywheel so it will turn with the engine. It is the clutch disc sandwiched between the two that disengaged the tractor's transmission when the pedal is depressed. IMO your clutch disc is stuck to the flywheel and plate.
I have had success freeing the disc on both tractors and motor vehicles by starting them in gear and driving them around while alternately hitting the throttle then the brake. Preferably in an open field free of obstacles, buildings. other vehicles etc. Everyone I have done has freed up within 5 minutes of driving.
Once it is freed up, the next time you park the tractor block the clutch pedal down to release the disc so it doesn't stick to either plate.

Just to be clear, do what he says, but with the clutch pedal depressed the entire time until it starts working correctly. Remember, you are trying to free the disc from the flywheel and/or pressure plate.

 

[Justmares]

Thanks for the tidbit of keeping the clutch in...like dum-dums we tried breaking it free with the clutch out....that wasn't smart at all. Now it all makes sense to me. I appreciate everyone's input and hopefully it works this week when we try it.