YM 155D I'm thinkin clutch problem

[jcimob]

Tractor Newbie......recently acquired a 155D with loader and rototiller, and am loving this machine. Recently out in the yard moving some dirt from a pile. I am new at this but was in 4wd, low gear low range, and pushing loader into the dirt pile (slightly uphill), the tractor seemed to come to a halt, kind of struggling, but the motor did not die and the wheels were not spinning. As soon as I tilted the bucket up and raised the loader, I went forward and acquired a bucket full. My question is....is the clutch failing (slippage)? Shouldn't the motor have died or the tires spun? If the clutch is failing, can I baby it for awhile or should I try to replace it now? If I do that, is this a hard job that should be done by a real mechanic? Or is there some adjustment I can make on the clutch.

Second question......the brake pedals seeem to go right down before they actually brake. Is this adjustable?
thanks for any advice

 

[nebuniram]

I dont think your clutch is going bad, sounds as if its operating normally. You are basicly running into a pile of dirt which is pretty solid which would stop a lot of tractors much more powerfull than yours. Your tires are not slipping most likely because you have a lot of traction and with your bucket in the dirt you are pushing down on your front end increasing your traction where its needed most. I've been told clutches on these tractors usually last a long time (couple thousand hours) due to little use in japan where they are usually going in a straight line tilling up dirt and not frequent back and forth motion like loader work. Brakes are adjustable and are easy to adjust. I recomend getting an owners manual from Hoye, it should have everything you need to know about maintenance and operation in there.

 

[MJPetersen]

You are right that your clutch had to slip in this situation--I have killed the engine when I have more traction than hp. You may have a clutch that is getting weak. I would check the adjustment and go from there. The brakes are also adjustable. you should contact a dealer about getting an owners manual and maybe even a service manual. As far as hard--What is hard for one person will be easy for another. It really depends on your comfort level. Splitting a tractor is always not going to be easy--even a small tractor weighs a lot and this is not easy in that sense, but it is simple and in that sense is easy. maybe someone who has split a YM 1300 or 155 series can be more specific.

Mike

 

[reb]

I agree the clutch was probably slipping. I did the same thing with my 1500D in a rocky wash and destroyed the splines on the shaft going into the transmission. I don't push it as hard any more.

 

[swedish-fish]

Hi jcimob
Welcome to TBN.
If your engine is running, you're in gear (clutch pedal up) and the wheels are not turning, then something is definitely slipping internally. I'm not sure what nebuniram is talking about. Your 155D was sold for the US market and likely never used in Japan. The clutch sounds like the culprit to me. The first thing to check is the adjustment on the clutch pedal. It may be possible to squeak a little more life out of it. How much free play is there in the pedal? Is it less than 5/8"? If so, turn the yoke on the linkage to thread it further on, shortening the linkage length and reassemble the cotter pin. I've attached a couple pages from my manual about the clutch and brake adjustment for the 155D. If you're out of adjustment thread, it's time to get out the wrenches. These are great little tractors aren't they? I'm amazed how fixable they are.

I split my YM155D last year and replaced the friction disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bushing and shaft. It's a great way to get to know your tractor. If you've got the time and you're somewhat mechanically inclined you should be OK. Below are a couple shots of the split. I used a floor jack under the rear so I could wheel it back while the front is on jack stands.

Good Luck!
Craig