MF148 PTO Clutch

[VicinOz]

Hi folks,
I'm new to this forum, but have been reading for some time.
Excellent site, full of outstanding tips and hints!
Anyway, I've recently purchased a MF 148, which is in reasonable order, and I've been using the hay spike and other 3PL implements no problem.
Yesterday, my slasher/bush hog arrived, and I set it up on the PTO.
I can engage the PTO in ground mode OK, but of course it only works at ground speed - not much good for gutting grass! When I try to engage the PTO into 540 with the engine running, and the clutch depressed, it just grates. If I engage it with the engine shut down, then start it, it all works fine, but depressing the clutch wont disengage it at all.
Is it possible that the PTO clutch can 'freeze'? If so, wouldn't my attempts already have unfrozen it? Is there a seperate adjustment for the PTO clutch that I can make? Or is it just worn out? Any advice would be much appreciated! I've ordered a manual, but it's not arrived here in Australia yet...
Thanks again for a fantastic and informative site.

 

[Donovan Caro]

You ever figured out the problem

 

[VicinOz]

Hi All,
Well I sorted out the problem.
JJ sent me a great diagram which can be found on this forum that describes the clutch adjustment for a two stage MF clutch .
I first took the cover plate off the bottom of the clutch housing, thinking that I needed to reset the PTO clutch release gap, but it measured up fine.
So I moved to part one of the instructions (the easy part that I should have done first dumbo...), and loosened the clutch pedal clamp bolt, rotated the shaft with a screwdriver until the first stage clutch just touched, then backed off a quarter inch or so.
Works like new! The previous owner hadn't used PTO implements, and had the tractor restored before he used it, so wasn't familiar with the "feel" of a two stage clutch, and neither was I. Easy adjustment, great price!
Fantastic forum, plenty of great knowledge here, I'm learning every day. Thanks.