TX2160F - PTO slipping

Milsome · Oct 20, 2016

Hello to all from Downunder,

After reading so many posts over the years and learning a lot about my little tractor, I have finally needed to post an issue I have with my TX2160F. I have trawled the threads looking for the following problem - my rear PTO seems to engage with no load but barely turns when loaded (42" John Deere hydraulic tiller). I removed the rear PTO cover, changed the trans/hyd oil, inspected the PTO and internal spindle/sprockets (no wear) and could not locate any issues. The clutch engages and releases without grinding for forward and backward movement. I can feel and hear the PTO lever change speeds when moved from 1-2-N-3.

Any thoughts on the issue would be greatly appreciated?

fxrs55 · Oct 21, 2016

Are you using an overrunning clutch on the pto? If so, maybe its whats worn out and slipping.

How about a picture of your setup?

Milsome · Oct 22, 2016

fxrs55 said:
Are you an overrunning clutch on the pto? If so, maybe its whats worn out and slipping.

How about a picture of your setup?

Thanks for your reply. It doesn't have an over run clutch, just the standard mechanical driven. I will be attaching an overrun after I get this issue sorted.

I'm hoping that I don't need to open the transmission and inspect. I have attached a shot of the PTO.

Ilikeurtractor · Nov 4, 2016

I believe all TX2160s (and 40s) have a built in overrunning clutch on the PTO internal to the transmission. It was one of the upgrades along with the 3 cylinder engine from the prior series. You can test it by engaging the PTO lever (engine off, clutch pedal out) and turning the shaft clockwise by hand or with a small wrench. You shouldn't be able to turn it counter-clockwise if working correctly but since you're having problems you may be able to turn it both directions.

Milsome · Nov 6, 2016

Ilikeurtractor said:
I believe all TX2160s (and 40s) have a built in overrunning clutch on the PTO internal to the transmission. It was one of the upgrades along with the 3 cylinder engine from the prior series. You can test it by engaging the PTO lever (engine off, clutch pedal out) and turning the shaft clockwise by hand or with a small wrench. You shouldn't be able to turn it counter-clockwise if working correctly but since you're having problems you may be able to turn it both directions.

Thanks for your reply Ilikeurtractor.

Another member in a different forum stated what you have posted in regards to turning the PTO when off - I can turn it clockwise but not counter.

Obviously there are three speeds as per the PTO selector but what RPM's is required for the overrun clutch to function on each?

I have also just managed to get hold of a TX2160 parts manual so I'm now thinking of stripping the transmission to inspect inside but are unsure of what to be looking for - another steep learning curve no doubt.

Next issue in Australia - Does anyone know where I can order gaskets for non-engine components?

Ilikeurtractor · Nov 7, 2016

The overrunning clutch is nothing more than a mechanical ratchet. It is always functioning regardless of the PTO lever. The main purpose of it is to prevent an implement from "back feeding" into the transmission like a bush hog which carries with it a lot of rotational inertia and will transfer power back into the transmission when the tractor's power is removed. I learned this the hard way and it is quite an unexpected feeling not being able to stop the tractor by just pushing the clutch pedal in and applying the brakes. The choices at that point are to try to pop it out of gear or leave the clutch out and kill the engine while keeping the brake on to stop it as quickly as possible, just ride it out until the implement stops, or better yet, get an overrunning clutch installed ahead of time.

If you can't find gaskets it isn't that hard to make your own or use silicone sealant. Be careful with just using sealant though as in some places where gears are involved in the gasket train, the gasket thickness needs to be accounted for (and included) so leaving it out will likely create problems.

agrier92 · Apr 9, 2017

All I'm a new member and I'm having the same issue with my Bolens G174 TX2160. I have downloaded 2 different parts breakdown or shop service manuals and neither one shows the overrunning clutch but when I pull the transmission cover you can see it down in there. Looks fun to fix. Does anyone have a newer part breakdown showing it and does anyone know we're to get one in the US?