John Deere A Hand Clutch problems

[49FarmallM]

Im looking at a newer JD A with a pressed steel frame. It has decent sheet metal. Paint is great it just faded real bad. Could use some rear tires but will do fine for hay work. The tractor was pulled off of their truck. I was told it had a dead battery, I didn't try it. The hand clutch when shoved forward gets almost straight up and stops moving. I looked at it and it looks like the piece that rotates when you shove the clutch forward is rocking back and forth in it's housing. The clutch brake doesn't even get close unless you grab it with my hand and rotate it myself. Does anyone know how to fix it? I don't have but a couple hundred to spend on a tractor, I'm planning to trade my M for it.

 

[mdross1]

That piece you speak of rocking in the housing is normal the bushing needs replacing someday not a big issue. I would back the three clutch springs off till the handle will at least engage the clutch keep track of the turns. Operate the handle a few times then start tightening the three clutch spring nuts until you feel and hear a pop as you shove the clutch handle all the way forward. That will be the clutch locking in.
Pulling the clutch handle all the way back will actuate the clutch brake, DO Not get in the habit of stopping the tractor using the clutch brake.