Zero Turn Mower Problems

[Jeff4]

Hi,

I think I have two problems.

Problem 1:
I know that I need to replace the PTO clutch on my Bobcat FastCat Pro (61") ZTR. Do I need to buy the Borg Warner clutch or are the Chinese "equivalents" (on eBay for about 1/2 the price) good enough.

Problem 2:
When I took a look at the belt to see what would be involved in replacing the PTO clutch I saw the idler pulley was not "centered" (see picture). Is this normal? If not, what part(s) of the assembly will need to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge/experience!

Jeff

 

[Peter 315]

Looks like that idler pulley is junk...

 

[NCJim919]

The idler pulley has a bad bearing the pulley will have to be replaced. It probably was letting the belt slip

 

[SARG]

I'd change out that pulley first ..... the PTO might be OK.

 

[Jeff4]

I'd change out that pulley first ..... the PTO might be OK.

Thanks! I was wondering about that. I did verify that there is 12V going to the clutch and when I "engage" it I don't hear/see anything. Is it possible that the clutch is OK anyway?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I'd replace the idler first. I've never SEEN my clutches engage. Clutches are pretty friggin reliable. Start with the cheap fix first.

 

[Jeff4]

I'd replace the idler first. I've never SEEN my clutches engage. Clutches are pretty friggin reliable. Start with the cheap fix first.

Thanks - I'll start there

 

[Gator6x4]

Thanks! I was wondering about that. I did verify that there is 12V going to the clutch and when I "engage" it I don't hear/see anything. Is it possible that the clutch is OK anyway?

You should hear a click if 12 volts are going to the PTO. The clicking sound is a electro magnetic field being created to create a magnetic field to engage the the PTO locking the pulley so when it spins, it will rotate the belt which in turn will rotate the blades on the mower if the belt is of the proper tension and engaged in the drive pulley on the deck. The pulley on the PTO the thing with a v for the belt to go into should also rotate freely by hand when no voltage is going to the PTO, (Switch turned off). If you try to rotate the the pulley on the PTO with the switch in the on position it should not rotate. If you are strong enough you can rotate the pulley but you will also be spinning the engine over. Most people do not have the strength in their hands to do this. Some can by removing the spark plugs.

 

[mini14]

i have 6 mowers with pto clutchs and have never had to replace one, oldest one has 5500 hrs i would only stick to oem parts and that pulley is toasted, i have adjusted the air gap once on that 5500 hr scag most clutches have ajustable air gaps when they wear some are sealed on older toro z masters they were sealed

 

[RandyT]

As a repair center I replaced 13 clutches last year for various reasons from burning the coils out to the friction disc breaking to seized or damaged bearings that look like the idler pulley in the picture or the anti-spin bracket breaking resulting in the wires being pulled out from the clutch

Most shops are using the xtreme ope clutches for replacement if available.

 

[Jeff4]

Thanks everyone. I'll replace the idler pulley and let you know what happens (it might take a few weeks to get it apart and get the replacement so please be patient ).

 

[SARG]

I observed the initial picture provided and I wondered how someone could not notice through operation something was really wrong ......... and then I noted all the debris and crap left on the deck ...... and then I understood.

 

[dougtrr2]

How difficult is it to replace the clutch? If it is hard, I would go with the better clutch. If it is a fairly easy task I might take a chance on the cheaper version.

Doug in SW IA

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Clutches are very easy to change

 

[big bubba]

i've had to change idler pulleys several times on my ZT. seems to be the weak link in the power train. belts generate a lot of heat, etc. always wondered why idlers don't come w/zerks. maybe manu think operators will over grease onto belt
good luck w/yours

 

[Jeff4]

You should hear a click if 12 volts are going to the PTO. The clicking sound is a electro magnetic field being created to create a magnetic field to engage the the PTO locking the pulley so when it spins, it will rotate the belt which in turn will rotate the blades on the mower if the belt is of the proper tension and engaged in the drive pulley on the deck. The pulley on the PTO the thing with a v for the belt to go into should also rotate freely by hand when no voltage is going to the PTO, (Switch turned off). If you try to rotate the the pulley on the PTO with the switch in the on position it should not rotate. If you are strong enough you can rotate the pulley but you will also be spinning the engine over. Most people do not have the strength in their hands to do this. Some can by removing the spark plugs.

I took the mower deck and idler pulley off today -- and have ordered a new idler pulley. I can not turn the pulley on the PTO with the belt off (mower also off and no voltage applied to the PTO) -- does this suggest that the PTO clutch is shot or should I wait until I get the new idler pulley installed?

 

[Gator6x4]

I took the mower deck and idler pulley off today -- and have ordered a new idler pulley. I can not turn the pulley on the PTO with the belt off (mower also off and no voltage applied to the PTO) -- does this suggest that the PTO clutch is shot or should I wait until I get the new idler pulley installed?

Mark the pulley on the PTO with tape or paint. Spin the engine over with the starter. If the pulley spins, disconnect the electrical connection to the PTO. If the PTO pulley still spins the PTO is probably frozen and will have to be replaced. The PTO is usually held onto the splined shaft with one bolt. It should slide off with light tapping with a hammer. If it will not you will have to use a three jaw puller.

 

[Jeff4]

Mark the pulley on the PTO with tape or paint. Spin the engine over with the starter. If the pulley spins, disconnect the electrical connection to the PTO. If the PTO pulley still spins the PTO is probably frozen and will have to be replaced. The PTO is usually held onto the splined shaft with one bolt. It should slide off with light tapping with a hammer. If it will not you will have to use a three jaw puller.

I marked the pulley and it didn't move when I cranked the engine. I then started it and turned on the PTO and it didn't move either. I had tested for 12V when this first started, so I know that 12V is getting to the clutch.

 

[Gator6x4]

I marked the pulley and it didn't move when I cranked the engine. I then started it and turned on the PTO and it didn't move either. I had tested for 12V when this first started, so I know that 12V is getting to the clutch.

Assume nothing check for voltage again. Are you testing with a voltmeter or a voltage probe?

 

[USMC43]

My guess is the bad idler pulley allowed the belt to damage the wires into the clutch.

90 percent of bad electric PTO clutches I have seen have been from another issue or the belt itself braking and hitting the clutches wires.