Using the clutch with a Kubota HST tractor...

[Drstrangeglove]

Depending on what you are doing it might not matter. A live PTO -might or might not be clutched, and it also might/might not have an independent PTO clutch.

A switched live PTO can put a large instantaneous load on the PTO. With a PTO clutch, the operator can keep the motor running and still engage the implement under no load. Large implements like balers put quite a load on the PTO & also need a clutch because the load varies, making it handy to use the PTO clutch to avoid problems like a tough spot slugging the feeder.
Bottom line is it's just good practice not to engage/disengage the PTO instantly when it is under a load.

rScotty

That's why I idle down to engage. But on my hst tractor or the m-5, the clutch just disconnects to wheels from the motor. It has nothing to do with the pto. It spins no matter what you do with the clutch. On the m-5 at idle, I can't just engage the bushhog. It will stall the engine. I must be rolling and in gear to start it turning.

 

[Fallon]

The 60 series grand Ls don't even have a clutch pedal. Sometimes it won't go into gear when shifting. Just leave it in neutral, tap the go pedal either direction for a microsecond & it then it will usually shift in fine. PTO is a button with its own electronically operated hydraulic clutch. On the economy Ls, at least my former L3200 you clutched to engage the PTO & starting. Presumably it was cheaper with a clutch & HST than going to a live PTO.

 

[Paystar]

I find it's easier to shift hi-med-low range using the clutch

I have found the opposite, LOL My B2620 shifts between ranges (when fully stopped) far easier without the clutch.

 

[cmyoung2]

L3600, glideshift I think. I use the clutch a lot, more habit than needed I guess. But I do have to use it when engaging the PTO with my chipper or I will shear a pin every time. Really have to ease into with a low throttle.

 

[rScotty]

L3600, glideshift I think. I use the clutch a lot, more habit than needed I guess. But I do have to use it when engaging the PTO with my chipper or I will shear a pin every time. Really have to ease into with a low throttle.

That's exactly why I like a clutchable PTO. Best of all is a fully independent PTO that has a clutch for the drive wheels and another clutch just for the PTO. That is a common feature on ag tractors, but maybe not so much so on compacts.

 

[hayden]

L5740. I use the clutch to:

- Start the engine

- Shift ranges. It's not necessary, but sometimes makes it easier to shift. So I use the clutch when the range shift isn't otherwise easy.

- Engaging PTO with a heavy load like a big mower. For lighter loads I just engage the lever, but for my field mower I clutch, engage the PTO, then use the clutch to bring the mower up to speed. I just checked and the manual says you can feather the clutch control lever for a gradual engagement. I've never tried that, and have always figured the main clutch is bigger and more capable than the PTO clutch, but I could be completely wrong about that.

Anyway, 18 years later and everything is still working great.

 

[shirleyujest]

In my opinion.
Read Owners Manual. Also Ask the Service Manager at a dealer. A buddy had Owners Manual that said Clutch was NOT necessary to engage PTO. When the PTO quit Service Manager stated the updated manual said to Push Down Clutch.
He currently has the tractor split to replace PTO clutch.

Tractor Time With TIM has an older episode explaining different PTO types

2022 Compact Tractor Buyers Guide #3 PTO Differences. Independent vs. Live PTO, Mid PTO

 

[BruceMyers48]

What do you use your clutch for...on your HST tractor...just for engaging the PTO? Or do you use the clutch for other operations?

I own a L3901 HST and The only time I used the clutch was for the PTO engagement for my rotary mower

 

[Robin Veerman]

Do You depress the clutch to start the engine?

 

[4570Man]

Do You depress the clutch to start the engine?

The clutch safety switch is still intact so yes.

 

[dstig1]

L5740. I use the clutch to:


- Shift ranges. It's not necessary, but sometimes makes it easier to shift. So I use the clutch when the range shift isn't otherwise easy.

I just never switch ranges. I don't road the tractor, so no need for high. The 2 speed HST switch covers everything I need in Med range, so Low is also basically never used. I've tried them out of curiosity, but that's about it... I think I have used low for some loader work long ago, but not much.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Do You depress the clutch to start the engine?

Not on some Kubota HST models. My old L3430HST would start without depressing the clutch as long as the HST pedal was in the neutral position.

 

[ptsg]

I just never switch ranges. I don't road the tractor, so no need for high. The 2 speed HST switch covers everything I need in Med range, so Low is also basically never used. I've tried them out of curiosity, but that's about it... I think I have used low for some loader work long ago, but not much.

It still may be a good practice to move that lever every once in a while and lube it, just so it doesn't rust and seize in the future.

 

[dstig1]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing as I wrote that....

 

[BigIz]

Read through this thread last week and, I gotta hand it to you guys (and slap my palm against my forehead). Worked most of the weekend on my TC33D and that is so much easier not thinking I had to use the clutch to change ranges (just come to a complete stop).

 

[dbritt]

Kubota M9000 with dashboard lever operated hydraulic shuttle. TC-33D with pedal HST. Both have clutch pedals. I have had the Kubota since buying it new in 2003. I use the loader for something every day. If I didn't use the clutch I couldn't use the loader efficiantly, especially in tight places or doing delicate work. So, I use the clutch all the time for loader work. It has a synchronized transmission, so can shift with the clutch while moving, just like a truck or car. The TC-33D could be used for loader work without the clutch, but since I have gotten used to using it on the Kubota, I find myself using it on the 33D for loader work as well. Both tractors still running original clutches with around 2400 hrs on the Kubota, and around 1600 on the 33D. Kubota 95% loader work. TC-33D about 50% loader, 50% rear finish mower work.

 

[Henro]

Aside from a relatively smooth start if using my rotary cutter, the most useful feature of the foot clutch that I noticed, is the ability to stop the post hole auger at the bottom of the hole, raise it, and then engage the clutch again, spinning the spoils away from the hole, resulting in a pretty clean hole.