Just bought my first rotary mower. It is an older Massey Ferguson. It is missing the gearbox and Pto driveshaft. In doing my research on those two components I learned about Pto clutches that can be installed along with the driveshaft. I then saw something about the Kubotas having a built in clutch so these are not necessary. Any thoughts on this? My tractor is a L4701 that I bought new in 2017. Thanks in advance!
PTO Clutch?
- Thread starter winesalot
- Start date
All pto operated machines need some type of overload protection on their drivelines/gearboxes. Protection can be in the form of a shear bolt/pin or functioning slip clutch. Built in clutch on tractors I think you might be referring to is an over-running clutch which allows implement pto shaft to spin after power is disengaged on implements such as rotary mowers that the spinning blade carrier has momentum from the flywheel affect of rotation causing implement pto shaft to spin after power is turned off. Over running clutch doesn't provide over load protection for implement gearbox or driveshafts.
North Idaho Wolfman
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Some say soft grade shear bolts are fine but it’s a pita to have to replace them when they do their job. After having a bush hog with no slip clutch, then having one with, I highly recommend putting a slip clutch on your pto shaft. Peace of mind having an extra weaker link to absorb abrupt stopping forces instead of transferring that force to your transmission.
I got one from TSC for around $150 iirc and to me that’s cheap insurance for a much larger cost and headache of a destroyed transmission.
I got one from TSC for around $150 iirc and to me that’s cheap insurance for a much larger cost and headache of a destroyed transmission.
It has been my experience in 60 yrs of being associated with repairing farm equipment that correct/regular servicing of a slip clutch is often overlooked/neglected. A neglected/stuck slip clutch has the same affect as no slip clutch or incorrect grade shear bolt.
Couldn’t agree more, good point sir.
I want mine to slip and check before season to make sure it’s not seized—otherwise it’s just a $150 grade 8 bolt.
Funny you should ask. I found a guy in Kansas City that is a kubota Frankenstein engine business (head from one bad engine combines with block from another, etc) that sold me a used but tested excellent engine for $3800 shipped. I finished installing it today and will be adding fuel and trying to start it in the morning.
No worries, I’ll just spray it with wd-40 every couple of mows, that should keep it from seizing up. lol!!!
Just make sure to stop for half a minute after each blade of grass cut, so that your rotary mower can pick up speed again
