L3800 HST PTO Won't Engage While Implement Spinning

[Caseyd292]

Good evening everyone,

I just had a recent issue pop up with my Kubota L3800 HST and can't find any posts regarding the same problem. My tractor's PTO engages no problem when I start up my brush hog. However, after I disengage the PTO (to put rocks or debris in the bucket) I'm not able to re-engage it while the blades are spinning. I push the clutch down and slowly push the PTO engagement lever only to be met by a loud gear popping noise, I quickly eased off and did not try to force anything.

I always use the clutch when engaging/disengaging the PTO and ease off the clutch during engagement. Any ideas what this issue could be? The tractor's over a decade old but only has three hundred hours, I've never had this problem in the year I've owned it.

Thanks,
Casey

 

[Sammy3700]

I am sure others will jump in, I have the same tractor as yours they have a overrunning clutch in the rear to prevent damage to the pto from implements like bush hogs which have a fly wheel effect and have to coast to a stop. I would recommend lowering the mower to the ground until the blades have resistance and stop (this is what I do) then engage again. There are small cams that drive the pto shaft and also allow a ratcheting operation for free wheeling these are probably what are creating the popping sound. I have never tried to engage it except from complete stop. Hope this makes sense.

 

[Caseyd292]

Thanks Sammy, that makes perfect sense and is a logical solution. I'll let the dirt stop it because those heavy blades take forever to stop on their own!