John deere 5520 clutch problems

[Brad Daniel]

I have a John deere 5520 and the clutch has started slipping really bad. The clutch plate was replaced by our dealership about 3 years ago. I have adjusted the free play a few times since and it helped but now even with adjustment the clutch will do nothing. Could this be because the cable has stretched

 

[sixdogs]

You must have a cab tractor?
Perhaps related to this was a factory bulletin a few years ago that mentioned clutch free play. I can't find it at the moment--but I have it--and it changed the clutch free play to "1/2" maximum". I would think they suggested that because free play beyond that amount caused excess wear?

 

[sixdogs]

How did this clutch issue on the 5520 wind up? Slipping clutch? Stretched cable?

 

[larry kalwei]

I have a 2003 John Deere 5520. I bought it used in 2005 with less than 800 hours and the clutch went out. I took it to the John Deere dealer in Harrisonville, Mo and the Service Manager told me that there was a deficit part and John Deere would probably stand behind it even through it was out of warranty. Well, when I went back in, there was a new Service Manager and new Owner (Heritage Tractor)and their position was "Tough ****". So it cost me over $1,500 and I have not stepped back in there again. Then about 5 years later, it went out again. So this time I took to a another non-John Deere dealer and they replaced the clutch again for another $1,500. Now, it is 5 years later and here we go again. I love the tractor but there is definitely a problem with their clutches! Have anyone else had this problem??

 

[Tx Jim]

larry kalwei
The traction clutch disk on your 5520 is utilized on many more models of JD tractors than your 5520. Are you keeping clutch pedal free travel adjusted correctly? Is tractor used for FEL operation?

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like some habits using the clutch that could be changed. Friend of mine co-owned a tractor that kept having clutch problems, and my friend blamed his partner. However, my friend is the one who rode the clutch all the time and hardly ever let it fully engage.
Not saying this is causing your problem, but don't know either.

 

[larry kalwei]

I had the clutch adjusted by a dealer about once year. I am not sure what FEL operation is? I do use the loader probably more than the average person does since I use it to load and unload material we use in a car wash. But I wouldn't think it was enough to warrant the clutch going out every 4-5 years.

 

[arrow]

This is what JD says about their 5000 series clutches:


Clutch Slip on 5000 Series Tractors

Learn the importance of checking and maintaining proper clutch alignment


Symptoms
The tractor's clutch seems to have premature wear. An operator may also notice the clutch slipping during operation.

Situation or Problem

Normal use will cause the clutch to wear slowly. This, in turn, causes partial disengagement of the clutch. When the clutch becomes partially disengaged, it begins slipping and wears at a much faster rate than normal. Slipping will be especially noticeable under medium or heavy load. As the clutch wears from normal use, it is important to readjust as necessary to prevent partial disengagement.

The amount of wear can be determined by measuring the free play in the clutch pedal, which will decrease as the clutch wears. The free play is defined as the distance the clutch pedal can be pressed before resistance on the pedal is noticed.

Solution Steps
Information on checking the clutch free play can be found in your John Deere operator's manual or maintenance guide, depending on the specific model of the tractor. If your clutch pedal's free play is not within specification, adjust the clutch per the instructions in your manual or contact your John Deere dealer. This is normal maintenance and will prevent the clutch from slipping or wearing out prematurely.

It is important to check the free play of your clutch pedal on a regular basis. Under normal use conditions, clutch free play should be checked after every 100 hours of operation. Applications such as towing, pushing, or loading may create additional wear on the clutch and warrant more frequent checks.

Checking clutch free play is just one of the many maintenance procedures that should be performed on a regular basis. Be sure to check your John Deere owner's manual for a full list of regular service intervals.

If you no longer have access to your tractor's manuals, click here for information on receiving duplicate copies in electronic or paper form, or visit your John Deere dealer.


Affected Equipment
5103 Tractor 5105 Tractor
5200 Tractor 5203 Tractor
5205 Tractor 5210 Tractor
5220 Tractor 5225 Tractor
5300 Tractor 5303 Tractor
5310 Tractor 5310N Narrow Tractor
5320 Tractor 5320N Narrow Tractor
5325 Tractor 5325N Narrow Tractor
5400 Tractor 5403 Tractor
5410 Tractor 5420 Tractor
5420N Narrow Tractor 5425 Tractor
5425N Narrow Tractor 5500 Tractor
5500N Narrow Tractor 5510 Tractor
5510N Narrow Tractor 5520 Tractor
5520N Narrow Tractor 5525 Tractor
5525H High Crop Tractor 5525N Narrow Tractor
5603 Tractor 5625 Tracto

 

[sixdogs]

I have a 5520 and recall a service bulletin that I think puts the clutch free play at 3/8" to 1/2". You would need to double check that since it's from memory but the free play is almost nothing. A lot of people don't seem to believe this and keep it at 3/4" or whatever and that causes problems around here. Just an FYI.

 

[Tx Jim]

I had the clutch adjusted by a dealer about once year. I am not sure what FEL operation is?

IMHO clutch pedal free travel should be checked more like once a month not once a yr. FEL= front end loader