l235dt, all fluids changed now clutch pedal won't engage for pto

project_X · Jun 9, 2014

I picked up a used l235 with 400hrs. In looking after the tractor, I changed all the fluids to get a baseline. Prior to changing the fluids (specifically the transmission/hysraulic fluid), the live pto functioned correctly. Now, I can not engage the lever, and if I engage the lever, the clutch doesn't stop the pto from spinning.

Any ideas? I used kubota super udt, 24l as required.

Thanks
Rob

rbargeron · Jun 9, 2014

The L235 was made in the early '80s and was available with a single plate clutch or a 2-stage clutch. The 2-stage operates both stages from the same pedal linkage - partway down it controls tractor travel, all the way down it controls the pto. I think your travel clutch is worn and the linkage has been adjusted to compensate for it. Unfortunately if it is adjusted too far, the pto clutch no longer disengages at full pedal. This has nothing to do with the fluid used. With the engine off and clutch pedal full down, have somebody try to turn the pto shaft with the pto gearbox in Low or Neutral or High. I'll bet it's only free in N, and that it drags in either L or H.

You can maybe back off the pedal linkage a little, but that will bring the travel action up to a higher pedal position. The L235's 2-stage (Dual) clutch is adjustable - similar to other tractors in that series. The adjustment access is on the side of the bellhousing - usually covered by the loader frame (if so equipped).

project_X · Jun 9, 2014

rbargeron said:
The L235 was made in the early '80s and was available with a single plate clutch or a 2-stage clutch. The 2-stage operates both stages from the same pedal linkage - partway down it controls tractor travel, all the way down it controls the pto. I think your travel clutch is worn and the linkage has been adjusted to compensate for it. Unfortunately if it is adjusted too far, the pto clutch no longer disengages at full pedal. This has nothing to do with the fluid used. With the engine off and clutch pedal full down, have somebody try to turn the pto shaft with the pto gearbox in Low or Neutral or High. I'll bet it's only free in N, and that it drags in either L or H.

You can maybe back off the pedal linkage a little, but that will bring the travel action up to a higher pedal position. Good luck

The two stage clutch version of the L235DT only has Neutral and 540 rpm for the PTO switch.

What would have changed by changing the fluids? The two stages of the clutch worked perfectly before me draining and refilling.
I tried to engage the 2nd stage and turn the PTO, it occurs as you suggested.

Very odd to me, this worked normally the day before the fluids were changed.

rbargeron · Jun 9, 2014

Well one test you could do is adjust the pedal linkage and see if the pto will disengage then. Probably its right on the cusp and it won't take much to get a response. Why it would pick now to change is a head scratcher - is the same implement on the 3-pt hitch? Sometimes a difference in inertia will mask a dragging clutch.

If you decide to try to adjust the clutch itself there's a page HERE

project_X · Jun 15, 2014

rbargeron said:
Well one test you could do is adjust the pedal linkage and see if the pto will disengage then. Probably its right on the cusp and it won't take much to get a response. Why it would pick now to change is a head scratcher - is the same implement on the 3-pt hitch? Sometimes a difference in inertia will mask a dragging clutch.

If you decide to try to adjust the clutch itself there's a page HERE

I tried to adjust the linkage, no help.
I've read the thread where you talked about adjusting your clutch. I understand the adjustment, except, I don't know where to look for the adjustment bolts.
Any help pointing me to the correct spot would be great. I have an under carriage frame that mounts to the loader mount, once I remove that, the bolts should be directly underneath? or is there a plate to remove? Which side of the tractor is the adjustment made?

Thanks,
Rob

Kubota81 · Jun 15, 2014

We have a l235dt with a single stage clutch are you sure the lever for the pot isn't bent so it's not engaging the gear?
Also get off the tractor to see if its turning at all maybe just trying to help

project_X · Jun 16, 2014

Double post

project_X · Jun 16, 2014

OK, my sight plate is not hidden by the mounts. I removed it, and here is what I see.
Btw, the picture needs to be rotated clockwise 90 to be the correct orientation.
View attachment 379490
Any thoughts/comments on what you see?

rbargeron · Jun 17, 2014

It looks like the pedal linkage is adjusted too far out. Two of the 3 release levers show in the picture - the bolt heads should be nearly in contact with the release bearing (the shiny ring) but there's a big gap. First thing to do is adjust the pedal linkage so the gap is small - like 1/16". That should make about 1" of pedal travel before the bolt heads contact the bearing.

If the PTO still won't disengage, reduce the clearance even more - until it's the thickness of paper. See if the pto will release then. Watch what's moving in there while the clutch pedal moves - you'll see what's needed.

project_X · Jun 17, 2014

I adjusted the clutch play, it is now less than one inch.
The gap is much smaller, but it is not close to touching.
I'm beginning to think that the clutch never worked...and when I tested the pto, I didn't put a load on it..

Any ways, I will continue the adjustment to see if I can get it working.