Why use clutch with GST?

johnk · Sep 27, 2006

I use the clutch on my 3130 when I have heavy loads in the loader and am shifting from forward to reverse or the other way around and rolling in whatever direction. If I am rolling back and it stops on a flat I just bump it into forward without clutching. It actually says in the manual to use it with the column shuttle when changing directions. The manual also states to use the clutch when engaging 4wd. It sure is a nice setup. Very convienient just bumping up the handle and going through the gears. Gives good control through the range of gears......

KennyV · Sep 28, 2006

The L4200 has independent PTO… It has nothing to do with the clutch… I have not used my clutch in years… KennyV.

Jay4200 · Sep 29, 2006

KennyV said:
The L4200 has independent PTO… It has nothing to do with the clutch…

You just managed to completely confuse me. I haven't actually used my PTO, but I do know that it is engaged via the clutch. Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by the above statement?

Thanks - Jay

PS - Thanks again for sending me those service pages a while back - even though I've still been too lazy dig in and do the work. I will though - I swear!

KennyV · Sep 29, 2006

Hello Jay…
I know what you mean about getting time to ‘work’ on something that is not pressing.

About the ‘Independent’ PTO… on a GST the PTO has a hydraulic multi disc clutch pack that is independent of the of the drive system… hence the name ‘independent’.
On a transmission type PTO it takes the normal path using the clutch.

On your GST the foot clutch will not have any thing to do with the PTO… KennyV.

Muleskinner · Oct 2, 2006

The only time I use the clutch on my L39 is when I get close to a building or an object that I don't want to damage while grading. Yes you can use the shift lever for that also, but when I get close to damaging someones house I don't want to take a chance and have to restucco or fix wood damage. I don't like to use the clutch any other time, as I know using it will wear the disc and preasure plate out out early.

SkyPup · Oct 3, 2006

I hardly ever use the clutch on our L-39 or our L-3130, every once in awhile I use it in very low gears in ultra tight situations, other than that, I almost never use it.

bigjohnkub · Oct 3, 2006

Clutching is neccessary when shifting from fwd to rev as johnk mentioned. This gear is a syncronized shuttle and will prematurely wear the syncronizers out and is not a warranty problem. I'm sure your salesman never mentioned this , but it is in your operators manual.

SkyPup · Oct 3, 2006

As long as the machine is on idle, have never had a problem shuttle shifting F-N-R slowly without any clutch.

Jay4200 · Oct 3, 2006

KennyV said:
About the ‘Independent’ PTO… on a GST the PTO has a hydraulic multi disc clutch pack that is independent of the of the drive system… hence the name ‘independent’.
On a transmission type PTO it takes the normal path using the clutch.

On your GST the foot clutch will not have any thing to do with the PTO… KennyV.

Are you sure? I only engaged the PTO once, just to see if it spun when I first got the tractor (which it did). I seem to remember the procedure being to step on the clutch, shift the PTO selector lever next to the seat to 'spin', then release the foot clutch to engage the PTO. I'm pretty sure that was what the manual describes, and that is what I remember doing.

OTOH, it might've spun up as soon as I shifted the lever (I know it won't start with the PTO lever in the on position), but again, I seem to remember hearing it spin up when I released the pedal. It was quite a while ago, however, so if I'm wrong, I blame it on old age (that's my story and I'm stickin' to it).

Jay

GaryE · Oct 3, 2006

Jay4200 said:
Are you sure? I only engaged the PTO once, just to see if it spun when I first got the tractor (which it did). I seem to remember the procedure being to step on the clutch, shift the PTO selector lever next to the seat to 'spin', then release the foot clutch to engage the PTO. I'm pretty sure that was what the manual describes, and that is what I remember doing.

OTOH, it might've spun up as soon as I shifted the lever (I know it won't start with the PTO lever in the on position), but again, I seem to remember hearing it spin up when I released the pedal. It was quite a while ago, however, so if I'm wrong, I blame it on old age (that's my story and I'm stickin' to it).

Jay

Jay,

If it is old age, I must not be far behind!!!!!

Just my opinion.... NEVER engage or disengage an implement of any significant rotating mass without using the clutch. Even at idle, engaging a bushhog is a lot of stress to to instantly put on the PTO. Using the clutch will buffer that stress.

My GST's clutch will disagage the PTO. The shuttle shift or shiffting through the gears will not.

Gary