Quick trick to get a few more hours out of a dual clutch that wont disengage the pto

[Garth_B]

When I purchased my L345dt I knew the clutch was due for replacement because it would no longer disengage the pto due to wear and unfortunatly you can't adjust the two clutches independantly. I drilled a new hole just above the original on the throwout lever to slightly increase the travel and instantly had my pto clutch back! not sure how many hours it will last but it was a five minute fix and they are operating hours that wont be put on the next clutch. I dont think it would stress any parts too much more... not that it would matter since the clutch and throw out bearing will need replacing anyway.

probably 20hrs pto use so far... still good play on pto clutch

 

[MagKarl]

The threaded connection of the yoke onto the pushrod wasn't enough?

 

[Garth_B]

The threaded adjustment works great for getting the right freeplay in the clutch pedal, but doesn't create any more travel for the clutch fork lever (piece I drilled). The only way I could have got the PTO portion of the clutch to disengage using the threaded yoke would be to lose all freeplay which would wear the bearing out.

It seems a poor design because if the pto clutch isn't used much it doesn't wear at the same rate as the travel clutch and the gap between them becomes too large (pedal bottoms out before pto clutch disengages)

 

[birddogger]

There is an internal adjustment for the PTO section but your solution would be faster and probably easier.

 

[Garth_B]

There is an internal adjustment for the PTO section but your solution would be faster and probably easier.

can you get at it without splitting the tractor? Is it a shiming adjustment, or threaded?

 

[RDR]

When I put rings in my L345 I pulled the engine, pulled the clutches and flywheel. If I remember correctly there were three bolts with locknuts to adjust the pto clutch. Seems like there was an inspection cover or rubber plug. When the bearings went out in the steering box I sold it so I can't go look at it.

 

[birddogger]

Right, there's a plate on the right side that you can remove and gain access. It is also handy if the PTO or drive clutch plates rust-up and won't release; you block the clutch down, open the plate, use a prise and knock the offending clutch disc free from the rust.

 

[MagKarl]

Birddogger, what's a prise?

 

[birddogger]

Like a wonder-bar.