Pto clutch issues 101. Most common issues I see. Plus removal tips and tricks.

In this video I describe the most common issues I see that cause the PTO clutch failure and blades not to come on.
I see many customers waste time and money replacing the PTO switch. While some times that might be the issue it very rare that is the issue.
I also show some tips and techniques I use to remove the clutch from the crankshaft. They can often be difficult to remove.
To be able to remove those clutch with ease take a look at these DeWalt impacts I use amzn.to/49NwEfk. If you purchase a tool with link provided it will help the channel by earning a commission.
If you need to purchase a new clutch you can get them from www.warnerptodirect.com/?gad_...
(Warner is not a sponsor and no commission will be earned with the link but it will save you money!)
They sell the very same Warner brand clutchs that many brands like John Deere, Toro, and Gravley use on their commercial mowers.
Electrical issues:
If you are having an electrical issue or the blades are shutting off while cutting you need to first check that the battery and charging system is good. Click here for a video I made explaining how to check your battery and charging system.
• How to check your mowe...
Once you have confirmed the battery is fully charged and your charging system is working properly. You can check the following parts and these can cause the blades to shut off during use or not come on at all.
In order from most common to least common, here are the parts I check next:
Damaged Wiring harness - Check continuity
Ignition switch
Seat Safety Switch
PTO switch
Relay
Control Module
Keep in mind all these electrical parts can start working intermittently before finally failing for good.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

To find tools, shop equipment, mower parts and more, you can find them at my store. Click this link: www.amazon.com/shop/mechanicalmind I'll get a commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to help the channel and get the items you need.

[@billcash3827]

Thank uou

[@rockybrenner]

So enjoyable to listen to a trained person, who does not think they are also a comedian..... Nice Job

[@cmcvay]

Great information-Thank You! Have had PTO bearings replaced once two years ago, now having the same issue and considered having service again at $200. However, you shared the Warner Direct info, I decided I would replace with new at $200, saving $300 if purchased from local supply house. New Subscriber

[@ctsandb1]

This was very helpful and kept me from making some wrong, costly, and time consuming mistakes. Thank you!!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Yes sir. Thanks for watching

[@frankcarney1890]

Thank you very much for the video explanation of how to fix clutch problems with my lawn tractor. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly. Thanks again

[@haint7709]

Thanks for the info. 96 Simplicity with an older battery. Troubleshot the system and didn't know about current draw of PTO. Recharged battery and all's good. I have more work to do but at least I'm not throwing money at the wrong parts. Thanks again!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Check to make sure your charging system is working. Here is a video I made on how to check it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpuUqGuajN2Upqs

[@scruffy4647]

Thanks for the tutorial and tip on where to purchase. JD 717a Z mower (2005) Pulley wear out. PTO Clutch is where to go to purchase. Saved me a ton of money.

[@pre-tribrapturetrueorfalse4124]

DO YOU HAVE A LINK to where you purchase?

[@billyrobertson5458]

Put mower to engage shut engine off

[@zanebeasley6246]

explained very well I enjoy watching the video.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

To be able to remove tough clutch bolts easily, take a look at these DeWalt impacts I use amzn.to/49NwEfk

[@williammoore5924]

Thanks a lot. Very informative and detailed video. I will put this one in my file For later use. Keep up the great work Thanks again.

[@tomaroni6670]

Great informative video...mine was out of adjustment and was able to properly adjust it without removing it...

[@gregn3615]

Thanks for the link to Warner PTO! I paid $125. A new from Cub Cadet $400

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Good deal! Thanks for watching!

[@JoeCraigs]

Absolute genius. You mentioned in passing that the charging system could cause the PTO clutch not to engage, but still let the engine operate, and that was it! Thank you. You saved me untold hours of trying to debug the problem. BTW... I have a Husqvarna riding mower with a dead battery that I jumped to get it started. As you said, it was enough voltage to keep the engine running, but not enough to engage the clutch.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks Joe! Glad it help

[@plbjr123]

I have a cub cadet 46rzt that intermittently when I pull the PTO switch either the blades are slow to engage(meaning they start slow and work up to full speed), don't engage, or engage properly. I have notable squealing or noise. Not sure where to start. Any ideas? Could it be a belt issue? ​​⁠​⁠@@Mechanical_Mind

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@plbjr123 I would guess you have a clutch/pto issue. First disconnect the the deck belt and check each spindle and idler for bearing issues. Remove the clutch and feel the bearings. I bet you have a clutch with vad bearings

[@plbjr123]

Thank you! Will give it a try.

[@DcComplete]

What happened here. I did same thing. Did you just charge battery and it worked?

[@stuartcobb786]

Got my GT235 PTO off with Loose/tight method you showed. Awesome video!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Glad it worked for you

[@wielkadupa6244]

Thanks so much, you saved my time and money.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Glad I could help!

[@rafterL78]

Good info. Thanks

[@Packrat1947]

My LX277 does not have a hole through the deck. Used pry bars and a floor jack, and it finally popped loose after a long struggle.

[@jms-sd1rl]

your videos are great thank you

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Glad you like them!

[@johnlitl2123]

nice video very helpful

[@franwebb7756]

Good to be able to diy fix and save $$

[@kingrider75]

Good quality left hand drill bit and a good easy out. I’ve never not been able to get a crank shaft bolt not to come out with that combo. I think not only does the left hand bit help loosen the bolt it also heats it up facilitating extraction

[@mbean7322]

Been there done that and you are right works great.

[@FactsMattersUSA]

Another quick way to remove it is to first, like you said, tighten then loosen the bolt. Then with the bolt loose start the engine while the friction releases and drops the clutch. Works every time for me.

[@dabone3248]

Excellent idea. Work smarter not harder.

[@ianpfeiffer5337]

Thank you!!

[@Smalltechguy]

First time viewer. I decided to check your video out being that you talked about ways to remove stubborn clutches. My clutch came off on this very old yazoo keys. I've never seen one of these. So I have the clutch removed and I'm afraid that this adjustable clutch is very locked up. Very hard to spin free hand.

[@johntippett1278]

Really helpful video! I’m trying to take the clutch off a JD 661R to replace the drive belt but the 16mm clutch bolt just spins when I try to take it off, what needs to be done to stop it from free spinning? The pulley does not spin with it unless I apply pressure to the clutch w a pry bar but I don’t wanna break it bc it seems to be working fine. Thanks!

[@ladonnaledford1910]

I have a 2008 Dixie Chopper Xcaliber, just replaced the T-Box and all that is good but my clutch now is only partially engaged driving in a straight line but if I turn/spin the mower it will fully engage. I am currently charging the battery per your video and other comments for this video, any ideas outside the battery not being charged well I can check? It was engaging fine prior to me replacing the T-Box. Stop bolt is fine, not broken or anything unusual with it.

[@mickeyhurst4648]

I had a z900 series come in shop about 2 weeks ago and ticket said starter solenoid. I tested everything and bench tested the starter everything tested good. I tried to see If I could rotate the clutch and it would freeze up. It seemed like it took me forever to to get that clutch off. Immediately able to see that it was the problem it was burnt up and locked up causing a no start situation. It would start up no problem with clutch removed. Still waiting on part. Seems to be a shortage on pto clutches in our area. We've had a lot of clutches lately coming in bad. Good video.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Are you working at a John Deere dealership? Ive noticed a bunch of different quality control issues. That might be my next video topic

[@Mechanical_Mind]

The clutch having worn bearings can cause starting issues. That 636M in this video was having a hard time starting because of the worn clutch bearings. At first I thought it had stripped the starters gear teeth. I should have mentioned that in this video.

[@mickeyhurst4648]

@@Mechanical_Mind yes I work for trigreen. The store I'm at was at one time ag-pro then trigreen bought them out. I've been there since end of September this year.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@@mickeyhurst4648 Cool deal. Do you guys work on many commercial mowers? Ive never seen so many commercial mowers until I moved to Florida. Im near Orlando which has a bunch of resorts, Disney & Universal. Plus tons of rich, famous people and retirees. None of which are cutting their own grass. I guess that is why there are so many commercial landscapers here. Plus the grass grows here all year round. Commercial mowers and gators are 90% of what we work on at my dealership. Dealerships 100 miles north of us work mostly on tractors.

[@mickeyhurst4648]

@@Mechanical_Mind we work on alot of commercial mowers and residential. We get alot of tractors and gators in too. I usually do the pdi coming in. working on residential and commercial mowers as well as gators. Im still trying to get familiar with everything that is out there there is so many models. It's all new to me still. I worked on military vehicles for 14 years so changing over was a big change. I discovered your channel trying to get familiar with John deere products before I started and have noticed that your videos is very valuable and on point with issues bc I have came across alot of what you are getting out there to people to look out for. We are located in alabama

[@GNXClone]

I have a 2010 z920a. Unknown hours. It’s recently started to make a loud rattling noise when the PTO is off, RPMs up. When the PTO is engaged, the rattling is gone. I’m guessing it’s the PTO, but it doesn’t feel loose at all.

[@MarshaBrown-mo4xx]

Thank you

[@trustedfriend]

I notice when I disengage my blade clutch on my 2013 SR130 Country Clipper there's an approximate 3 second delay, It use to be Instantaneous. Any Ideas what's causing It? Thanks for the Informative video.

[@aischaparker9471]

hiya, thanks for sharing your wisdom in this video, lots of great tricks and hints. but a question.. why are the main bearings above the pto clutch no lubeable or set up with a lube tube with say a high temp lube oil thats thick but drippable, seems crazy they arent lubable in some way. surely most would wear out well before the two year warranties finish

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks for the nice comment. You would need to ask Warner, the clutch manufacturer about the bearing design. I do see many of them burn up before the warranty goes out. I often see them go out as low as 600 hours on units with 1200 hr warranties

[@iceetr5231]

JD 915B when clutch engages it seems to be putting excess strain on engine and rpm not as high as it should be. This mower has a 60” deck swapped by the dealer when purchased 10 years ago. May have added stress to the clutch. 648hrs on the machine. Do you think it is the bearings or worn out clutch that I should just replace? Great video!

[@brianelliott4890]

Awesome video as usual, I have a 661r and every once in a while when the mower gets hot and has been in use for a while there is about an 2-3sec stall from engaging the pto to the blades starting have you encounters that situation?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I have noticed that a couple of times. If I remember correctly it was the clutch itself that failed. It can also be bad bearings getting tighter and harder to rotate when they get hot. Worn out bearings are a very common issue I see and the heat just makes it get worse faster and faster.

[@dougwilliams2531]

Yeah it did it once back in early December I put it up for about a week or so used it ever since then til 2 weeks ago and it did it then that's when I changed the switch and battery and then again today it ran for about 30min or so then turned off I gotta go buy the voltage tester tomorrow I'll check those wires in the morning and see how it goes I appreciate the help don't want to start the season off with the mower already down.

[@yngvedahl9408]

​@@Mechanical_Mind😮

[@redtailhawk289]

Good video My John Deer F 725 PTO doesn't release and the blades keep turning I guess the bearings are bad . Im going to pull off the PTO after you showed Me how . Thanks

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Yeah sounds like your bearings may have started to sieze up. Let us know what you figure out on it

[@WilliamCasciola]

Love all your videos. Extremely helpful. Quick question... I have a John Deere Z330R. What is the torque specification for the bolt that attaches the PTO clutch to the crankshaft? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hey William, thanks. 60 ft-lbs. I d put anti-seize on the threads also if you got it.

[@Dead-Goldstar]

I have an older John Deer tractor when I engage the PTO switch the tractor wants to stall out any idea what I should be looking for to get the PTO operational

[@bobbyyoung2831]

I have a gravely 460, 13 years old runs like a tank. Guy told me when I bought it to always engage the PTO at the lowest engine speed and disengage at the lowest engine speed In order to make the PTO last. I have not had any issue until yesterday check the relays check the fuses, check the switch all checked good with ohm meter. I also got off the seat while the PTO switch was engaged and the mower died that revealed that the circuit was good. That kind of pointed me straight to the clutch/PTO. I needed something heavy for the seat switch so I put my toolbag on the seat which kept the seat switch Activated, And I pulled the PTO switch to engage the PTO Then I went around back and hit the PTO with a hammer And presto it started running Like I said earlier I ohmed out the PTO it tested good and the relays and the fuses and the switch. The PTO is pushing 13 years and still running. Probably getting really close to changing it though Hope this helped

[@docoolstuff8732]

Sweet tips thank you. I have a z920m. How long do you those style clutches lasting? I’m at 900 hours now. Your video makes me confident I can do it myself. 👍🏼

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks docoolstuff! Ive seen them go out as earlry as 400 hours but Id guess the average is around 1000 hours from my experience. They are easy to replace and Im sure you can handle it. The hardest problem (that sometimes happens) is if the bolt breaks off inside the crankshaft. That can turn an easy job into a nighmare.

[@bobshaw8558]

What about if the bottom bolton a 1997 GT1554 doesn't loosen even with a impack driver?AND YOU'RE Volume changed for sometime?

[@Jamie-mf7kq]

I have a John Deere 160 lawn tractor 80s model. The belt from the pto broke but I noticed it was real hot the pto was real hot I guess it melted the belt. I checked pulleys they spin easy I guess I have a bad Pto clutch getting hot what do you think.

[@brewerscarpentry]

We have a lx279 that the clutch bolt keeps coming loose. I always clean the threads, use locktite, and this last time, even used a longer bolt that threads on further, and it still keeps coming loose, wrecking the clutch, any tips?

[@cherylcallahan9261]

The keyed pulley above the PTO has slipped. I can’t get it back in place to put PTO in proper location. Any recommendations???? Help! Thanks

[@user-sn8uh6nf3p]

I have a JD z225 engine will run fine but when you engage pto it does.everything underneath seems to freespool well. What could cause this problem?

[@shappens6043]

I had a intermittent loose clutch connection clip.

[@dougwilliams2531]

I did check that switch at the bottom before I took it to trigreen.

[@The_Lawnfather_]

Is it the clutch . I have a fs36 walk behind Ferris mower . When I have been mowing all day when I try to engage the blades they have a hard time coming on . Can you tell me what is it

[@leonardoaraujo8654]

My issue is 99% it is not holding battery. I jump start with the car and after sometime I see the numbers on the dashboard fading down and then the blades desingage. I am going to see your next video of charging system. Thanks buddy.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Most of the time its a bad voltage regulator. Your battery may also need to be replaced if its been drained down too many times but it sounds like yout battery is ok and just your charging system is bad. In the other video I show how to check if its voltage regulator or the stator

[@whitedirtyninja9238]

I've got an x500 that i thought the engine was seized and it's starting to seem like the PTO clutch is the issue. Worked in some wd40 to the PTO after watching this and finally got the engine to turn over. Now when i engage the PTO the engine is killed? I guess that kind of sounds like the crankshaft bolt is seizing to the pto?

[@big4g63t]

my pto engages when i turn the ignition switch and disengages when key is turned to off.... ignition switch is checked and good as well as pto switch..... can't find any exposed wires... any ideas ?

[@AltonRowell-gb1lb]

My clutch had a bad pto switch. The connector on the pto switch had a pin that backed out. Causing high resistance. Then the pto switch burned out. They warranty it.

[@jt2112able]

Good video. Have a Toro 228D with a seized clutch (can't turn off the mower blades). Looks like I need to remove the clutch which probably has bad bearings.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks Jamse. Yeah normally the bearings go bad then that causes them to overheat and the damage gets exponentially worse

[@jt2112able]

@@Mechanical_Mind I removed the double drive belt to disable the blades and began prepping the shaft/clutch with penetrating oil. Going to let the baste, a spell.

[@bmick5266]

What would cause blades to come on when I engage the pto switch ? but when I go to turn blades on they semi disengage but not fully. Thanks! Cheer, Great video!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Your clutch must not be fully disengaging for some reason. Inside the clutch is a large magnet above the friction plates. So when the magnet is not actived the plates should separate. My guess would be there is some type of physical damage not allowing the plates to fully separate OR the plates have gotten really hot and they are sticking together. Bad bearings can cause extreme heat and you will have to replace the entire clutch. There also some springs on one one the friction plates and they sometimes get messed up or come loose. You can get a new Warner clutch from PTO direct.com for much less $$.

[@user-th4vu5ug7y]

Hello liked all your videos I have a zero toro ss4200 42 in cutstrreing arms are not making the noise while going g left n rite not working could you talk more on toros more. Plz thank

[@jm1551701]

I have a non-electric mower its an old Troy-bilt from 2010. still does not engage blades and the cable is not broken,

[@SawyerQuinn]

Great video! I have a walk behind that keeps burning up clutches. Literally melts them after mowing for an hour or so. I'm on #3. I replaced the voltage regulator, but it was a cheap Amazon part. Any Ideas what could cause this?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

You could have a bad faulty stator or voltage regulator. But my guess would be your clutch's wiring harness is bad. I'd remove the wiring harness going to the clutch and inspect for some worn wires or sections that have gotten hot.

[@melvinhogge1126]

I have a Craftsman riding mower that that makes a lot of noise when I release the clutch then stops after a minute? I' thinking cluth?

[@SalinasDaniel-xt6sv]

Craftsman pto loose belt ? how can it be uniusted ps Daniel thank you if you can clutch working but belt loose

[@davidking1913]

First off, very informative video. Second, I hope I can find an answer soon. I have a Z254F Husqvarna 54 inch cut mower. The other day I was starting to cut my grass when the deck belt through. Its a little stretched so I figure I will just get a new one. I put it on the pto engaged blade pulley spin but its not really cutting. Put new blades on it and still not cutting. Im lost, pto is on mower runs fine, spindles are spinning. Its just not cutting. PLEASE, ANY SUGGESTIONS?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hey David, I would check each pulley and spindle individually with the belt removed. Spin each one and carefully listen and feel for rough bearings. Check for play or slack in the bearings of the spindle and pulleys that would let the belt pulleys to tilt or move. I bet you have one that had become too hard to rotate and slowing down the belt. I bet that is what caused the belt to jump off the first time. The spindles might still be spinning but not at full speed.

[@davidking1913]

@@Mechanical_Mind Hey thanks for getting back so fast. I am about to go out and check it some more now.. let you know what I find.

[@user-th4vu5ug7y]

Could any one tell me wear to get parts for zero turn mowers TORO. A d trans isons n lutches

[@avamisbah3941]

A great info. Jhon deere and cube Cadet are mowers you wanna stay away for owning. Constant issues. I know mower need to be serviced but those come out of the box already junk.

[@chrismayall4689]

JD 657A. Blades only spin at low idle. They stop spinning when you run full throttle but looking at the spindles, they look like they want to spin as I see some movement. Thoughts?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Id take the belt loose and inspect the spindle and idlers. Rotate each one with the belt not touching it to see if any are hard to turn. Also your clutch might have oil in it from and engine oil leak.

[@danielstrand4255]

I doubt anyone knows... but installed a pto clutch on a cub cadet, aftermarket not Warner, it caught fire! apparently it still works but i wasn't there to see what exactly occurred thoughts? dried and tall grass? it was getting broken in so extra heat being generated...

[@JustAnAcre]

Got a video on how to check the charging system?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpuUqGuajN2Upqs

[@dooleysstill2616]

My clutch pigtail connector gets wonky (causing disconnects) and melts. Any opinion on using dielectric grease on pigtail to clutch? Thanks!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Dielectric grease is great to use but it doesnt improve the connection. It sounds like your connections are not making good contact. You may need to bend the connections out with a pjck to improve the connections contact. Wd40 or dielectric grease will help keep the connections clean and free of moisture.

[@BallisticBees1668]

I have a JD LA115. With the pto lever engaged, the blades Will intermittently disengage and then re engage. I replaced the belt; which is extremely loose by the way, and it is the correct belt. What could be causing this to happen?

[@mcleodchuck2355]

Good job

[@damianbrumfield8057]

I don't see any belts off. My gravely when I turn on my pto it just clicks and blades don't run

[@Mik_er28]

If the bearing is beginning to go bad on the clutch would it only be noisy when the clutch is disengaged? Thank in advance.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Yes. The bearings are always spinning while the engine is running

[@jaythephoenix]

Is a clutch supposed to move when you touch it? My Troy bilt blades turn on, rumble a little, and disengage. It seems to kick back on when I go forward, but shuts off when I stop too.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

It should have a little bit of play side to side. There is a anti rotation bracket or stud on them and it needs a little bit of wiggle to allow them to engage and disengage

[@jamesoragle3049]

Cub cadet blades won't disengage

[@anthonybriskie3798]

Any suggestions on getting bolt loose? used impact driver on compressor but no luck getting bolt loose.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

First try tightening and loosening the bolt. If that doesn't work you might need a stronger impact. Some air impacts are not nearly as strong as some battery impacts. I personally like my DCF899 and DCF900. Both will either break it loose or break it off. Hopefully it doesn't break the bolt off in the crank. It happens occasionally and its not fun if that happens.

[@anthonybriskie3798]

@@Mechanical_Mind Thanks for the tip, no luck with either battery power impact or compressor powered. Hopefully the repair man I had to hire will find a solution.

[@tbass134]

Have you ever seen issues where the blades engaged ONLY in low throttle? It might be the clutch, but I’m not sure

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Id check the wiring harness' continuity. Id also check to see if the wiring harness is getting power with a test light or multimeter.

[@theBullringLive]

If the pto clutch is shot, would that prevent the mower from moving forward/back? Blades engage just fine

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Sounds like you have a broken drive belt

[@theBullringLive]

@@Mechanical_Mind Thanks for the reply. Have craftsman Z6000. "Something" started occaisionly squeling and it would slow down and speed up, run ok for a bit and repeat, First thought was the belt and it was rather loose and glazed over so we changed it. Motor starts up fine, blades run just fine but when I engage the arms, absolutely nothing. I'd think you would some sort of click or "something". I did have to fill hydraulic oil on one side. Disabled the seat safety switch.Quadrupled checked to make sure new belt is installed right. When you mentioned the clutch screaming and squaling I thought "Ah Ha!" I've been banging my head on the back bumper and about to run screaming and squalering away.

[@mattinthemiddle6033]

Mine currently starts and runs great but as soon as i start my blades is loses power and is weak/motor struggles to keep rpm when moving and cutting but will idle back up when sitting any ideas?

[@I3lazedOne]

Same exact issue with my cub cadet lt1050

[@jamesreardon8585]

Do you have a link to Warner that I could use here in Australia mate? Not required atm but rather be prepared, cheers

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hey James, I didnt realize I had made this video public yet. I just now added the link in the description. Its Warnerptodirect.com

[@jamesreardon8585]

@@Mechanical_Mind hi mate, you wouldn't know the part number for the clutch to suit a Z910A would you?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@@jamesreardon8585 I dont but the Warner part number will be on the old clutch. Its going to be on the side of top section of the clutch. You probably dont even need to remove it to see it. If not then Deere.com will give you the John Deere part number and you can cross-reference it that way. Warner actually has started etching the John Deere part number on them in addition to their part number.

[@jamesreardon8585]

@@Mechanical_Mind Thanks!

[@mistone9784]

I've gotten older Craftsman lawn mower when you engage the blades the lawn mower shuts off what could be the problem

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Faulty seat safety switch or the clutch itself is bad.

[@robertmailhos8159]

A dirty p.t .o clutch come,s to mind also that might be the problem with the p.t.o clutch

[@JEFFQUICKLE9]

I bought a new clutch and after taking the deck out from under the tractor and getting under there I noticed the drive belt has lots of cracks in it. Should I replace that belt or just wait till it snaps? I have the Deere D140.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I'd replace it. Check out this video I made showing how in the JD 100 series mowers kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrTmYqum8yZj6c

[@SerafinN26]

What is it when I engage the pto switch the whole thing shuts off.

[@kennywaynesdiy]

Check your safety switches

[@jbuck1975]

Will a problem with clutch cause it not to start? Cub cadet has display and when trying to start and its engaged it will display PTO. but when not engaged it wont do anything when pressing the key. If i pull PTO switch sometimes i hear a clicking and sometimes not. Trying to diagnose my starting problem

[@Mechanical_Mind]

It's normal to hear the pto click on if engaged with the engine not running and key turned to the on position. If your turning the key and nothing is happening, first check the fuse, then battery life (with a battery tester). Check the battery connections are clean and tight. Next the starter solenoid then the starter itself.

[@ivisvaladez3168]

Bolt size???

[@giovanniguzman4035]

I have an older model tractor 2010 LA105 blades won’t start. I’m I crazy or this thing doesn’t have a PTO clutch . Please help !

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hi Glovanni, many lawn tractors including yours does not have a pto clutch. Instead it has a fixed sheave or pulley attached to the engine's crankshaft. The way the blades are engaged is by the lever on the control panel. When that lever is pushed up it pulls a cable which then pulls the deck belt tensioner arm & pulley to tighten the deck belt against the crankshaft pulley mentioned before. If your bladeds are not engaging Id first check to see if the belt has become loose or stretched and maybe has jumped off one of pulleys or spindles. If that is all good then next check to make sure the cable is not broken.

[@StephenBiz]

Hm mine is slow to Engage the blades it takes awhile to spin them up and it almost kills the lawnmower a lot more than usual it’s a craftsman t3200 husqvarna made lawn tractor.. I took off the deck and cleaned it everything seems good deck seems good and plenty of tension I recently had rebuilt the carb I replaced the voltage regulator aswell and it has a new battery 😅 not sure maybe something wrong with pto clutch

[@Mechanical_Mind]

That will happen if the bearings in the clutch are bad. They get harder to start turning. I'd remove the clutch and feel the the bearings. I've also seen were debris, like metal wire from a fence, can get caught in the clutch causing issues. If the deck belt is wet, that also will cause a delay in bringing the deck spindles up to speed.

[@thelloyds4635]

Every video I have watched has shown no issue removing the clutch bolt. However, on my mower when I attempt to remove the bolt, the shaft turns as well. How do I prevent the shaft from turning?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

You need to use an impact wrench. If you try using just a regular ratchet or wench you will need to hold the crankshaft from being able to rotate. You can do that with having another wrench holding the top crankshaft nut that is under the flywheel screens.

[@thelloyds4635]

@@Mechanical_Mind your response came almost exactly as I was having that same thoughts and BOOM! Done!! Thank you!

[@alexalfaro4908]

Mine does not let the blades spin at all both of them are hard even by hammering the blades they bearly spin. Could that be the spindles?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hey Alex, yes it's most likely the spindle. With the deck belt loose or removed, spin each spindle and idler pulley to check is they are locked up or have bad bearings etc.

[@thestraitgateway]

I just got a used bobcat 218es. The pto always engages after first start but once it warms up and I try to engage the pto it takes a minute or two before it engage. Do you think this would be a bad clutch?

[@joey-mp3qc]

My John Deere had to be jumped started. The PTO would engage once and never again. My alternator was bad and wasn't giving the PTO enough voltage. Just another possibility.

[@thestraitgateway]

@@joey-mp3qc thankyou I'll look into that

[@thestraitgateway]

​@@joey-mp3qc if it was the alternator then it should work with a fully charged battery right?

[@joey-mp3qc]

@thestraitgateway in theory a brand new battery should be able to engage the pto clutch several times with no issues But after a while, the drain of not being charged fully takes its toll on the battery. For the longest I would jump start the mower and it would give me just barely enough voltage to engage my pto clutch just one time. Besides your alternator it could be your voltage regulator.

[@paulshay8195]

What do I do if I can't loosen the 5/8" bolt?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjcl4Otm8yioLc

[@valeriecalhoon966]

I have a Cub Cadet - 01001979 and as soon as we engage the blades our belts break. What could be the problem? The pto clutch doesnt want to move freely by hand

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Check to make sure all the deck spindles and idlers are spinning freely. It sounds like you might have a spindle or idler with seized bearings.

[@otiesdriftwood]

Something is cutting up my belts. I think it's the pto clutch. It's the only pulley that feels rusted physically

[@jstpsgthru]

What about when the clutch engages slowly, and after a short delay (with no loud noise, grinding, etc.?)

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thats a common issue if your clutch has oil in it. Check for oil leaks from your engine. Or your belt maybe be stretched / worn.

[@jstpsgthru]

@@Mechanical_Mind Thanks. I'll check for oil. Just had deck off for cleaning, and belt seemed OK when re-installed.

[@jstpsgthru]

@@Mechanical_Mind Whoa! I'm feeling stupid. I haven't thought about the lower drive belt since 2008. 400 hours seems pretty good on that belt, but it's time for a change. Thanks for not giving me a "DOH!"

[@user-dy3ug5nb5z]

Love your video's, they have been helping me try to overcome my current situation with my pto/Clutch on my Z925A mower. Have you had any experience with the pto/clutch bolt coming loose and falling out. Has happened 3 times. Was suggested by a tech at JD that it sometimes can happen if the pto is going bad.....any thoughts?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I've seen a few fall out, but I've seen many more of them break off in the crankshaft. Reinstall the bolt with red loctite and tighten the bolt to 60 ft-lbs ( 80 N-m). Make sure the washer is installed correctly also. It's a compression washer tapered kinda like a bowl. As the bolt is tightened, it should flatten the washer, causing locking pressure to the bolt.

[@mowilderness8505]

My mower blades if they hit too high off grass will cut off and then after a cool down will work again, what do you think that means

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Sounds like the clutch is probably about to go out fully. They eventually start to cut off from getting too hot. The overheating is often caused by the bearings going bad. Id remove it and inspect it for signs off overeating and inspect the bearings

[@mowilderness8505]

@@Mechanical_Mind thank you very much

[@ThreePhaseHigh]

Everyone shows that bolt coming right out. Mine won’t budge the whole motor turns over when you put a impact wrench on it now what any suggestions anyone

[@Mechanical_Mind]

What model impact are you using. Brand and model #?

[@speedyReedyEnterprise]

So my John Deere z355e makes a very loud screeching sound and nothing moves as if everything is seized. When i loosened belt from springs, all pulleys and spindles moved loosely (greased) as they should. Would this definitely be the clutch? Belt is assembled correctly, when i engage blades it screeches loud and locks up. I disengage blades very quickly because i don’t know what it’s doing to the motor?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

If could be your clutch. Sometimes they get debris caught inside of them and will make a horrible noise when engaged. Best to remove it and inspect it. They are easy to split apart once removed. Also that is a good time to feel of the bearings. They should feel smooth as your turn them. Just want to add that if any of the spindles or pulley are making any noise when turned, they have bad bearings. (Often, customers will claim their spindles are good simply because they turn meanwhilethey are making a rough noise) Also check for play in the spindles by grabbing the end of the blade and see move it up and down. If you feel any movement, the bearings are worn and it will get worse quickly.

[@speedyReedyEnterprise]

@@Mechanical_Mind thank you!!!! About to take clutch off now and inspect!!!! Really appreciate it

[@crazyhorseracing6130]

What is the problem when your blades won't turn all the way off?? After turning the PTO switch off the blades still spin about 500 to 1000 rpm or so and never quit. Turn the switch back on and the blades are back to full speed and turn the switch back off and they are low speed again but won't never completely quit spinning.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I'm betting that something is caught up in your clutch not allowing it to disengage

[@randyx007]

I have a 2022 44" Exmark Radius S series with 250 hours. After the guys are running it for an hour they can't engage the blades half of the time. It is almost random after it warms up. Any idea what the heck that would be? Thing is under warranty but they can't replicate it at the dealer?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

First check that the battery and charging system are in good condition. The pto clutch has to draw power to stay engaged and is the first thing to stop working when the battery is too low.

[@randyx007]

@@Mechanical_Mind I have had batteries go bad on 5 other zero turn exmarks and none have done this. I will double check that though thanks.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

If the battery and charging system are good, then I'd remove the clutch and inspect it for overheating. Usually, due to bad bearings

[@dougwilliams2531]

Jd 636m the blades will run for a min or 2 then turn off wait a sec they will turn back on then turn back off I changed the switch and the battery I think it's something electrical going on bc they will turn back on.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

It could be a faulty operator presence swtich. Its on the lower right side of the platform where you stand. They way I check that is by bypassing that switch to see if that sloves the issue. It could be the clutch wiring harness is damaged and makimg a bad connection (this is common) or has gotten hot OR your clutch is getting hot from and about to go out. The clutches sometimes get hot from bad bearings or they have an internal electrical issue. That is also common.

[@dougwilliams2531]

Ok how do I bypass that switch just unplug it? I also changed the brake safety switch as well turned it on an it ran fine for about 10min then I turned it off will let it run longer in the morning to see if they turn back off.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@@dougwilliams2531 Look at the wire I show @ 9:12 in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKuoZotuqJd0pLc. That is what you need to make to bypass the switch for testing.

[@dougwilliams2531]

Turns out it was the clutch took it to trigreen they called me this morning looks like I'm gonna try to install it myself.

[@sheldonwhite6009]

I have a 2003 L130 John Deere riding mower. My fuse keeps burning out. I changed the PTO switch. Is does start, but when I engage the PTO switch the mower turn off and the fuse is burnt. Any suggestions? Thank You.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

You have a loose or bad connection in your wiring harness. Start from the clutch and work back from there. Inspect each connection and look for signs of hot or burned connections. Also check all your ground wire connections. Clean all your connections. WD40 is great for cleaning electrical connections.

[@sheldonwhite6009]

I will do that and keep you updated!!! Thank You!

[@jlb197736]

My PTO lever moves very free, no resistance. Dose not engage. Can't find anything on this

[@Mechanical_Mind]

What model mower do you have?

[@jacobbowers8192]

What about Craftsman riding lawn mower for clutch

[@jacobbowers8192]

Mine is a yt4000

[@bluetpanthergmail4217]

Question I just had my mower serviced and got home to mow and the clutch engaged and as I started on my second pass the clutch stop came loose causing the clutch to spin and pull the wires from the plug but when I reinstalled the wires the pto would not engage can you please help me with info on what I could do to see if I have to buy a new clutch or not

[@Mechanical_Mind]

What model mower is it?

[@bluetpanthergmail4217]

@@Mechanical_Mind zg127s

[@bluetpanthergmail4217]

@@Mechanical_Mind Kubota Zg127s