Wooden Block For Clutch

dlockh4258 · Oct 18, 2002

On my new B2910 Kubota gave me a wooden block for the clutch. Could someone explain the purpose of having the clutch engaged while in storage using this wooden block.
Thanks

beenthere · Oct 18, 2002

It is used to keep the clutch plates apart, thus keeping them from rusting together which causes difficulty when trying to stop the transmission to get into a gear or to change to a different gear. More of a precaution for long storage than for normal storage and use of the tractor.

Trev · Oct 18, 2002

<font color=blue>More of a precaution for long storage than for normal storage and use of the tractor. </font color=blue>

Can you give me a rough idea of what "long" means in this context? For example, if we took a two week vacation, would that be long enough to warrant blocking the clutch pedal? Or are we talking months or more?

I have a JD 4300 with manual tranny, so wonder if this is prone to the same problem? I assume a clutch is a clutch, so probably yes?

Tks,
Bob

beenthere · Oct 18, 2002

I would only do it if it were a "mothball" situation. Long term meaning a year or more. Some probably wish they had done it when a tractor sits over the winter in cold storage with the heating and cooling cycles causing some condensation. I wouldn't even consider it for a two week vacation type thing. (Just my opinion though).

Trev · Oct 18, 2002

<font color=blue>I would only do it if it were a "mothball" situation. Long term meaning a year or more.</font color=blue>

Thanks, beenthere. Just curious.. is there any downside to blocking the clutch? I mean, won't the spring you're pushing against when you depress the pedal begin to lose its spring, or anything like that?

snowman · Oct 18, 2002

Trev;

I put the block on my clutch in the winter if I don't use it for a week or so. I only use the tractor in the winter for snow removal, so it can sit for few weeks easily, especially towards the end of the winter.

I figure that, with everything wet after clearing the driveway, if it sits in the garage (unheated) for a few weeks, rust would easily start to form, albeit minor. Sticking the block on lets the plates "air out", in my mind, at least.