Loud bang and the clutch stopped working ....

[Navvet]

Mahindra 4025 4wd with 250 hours on it. Been a great tractor so far.

Was out on my road today doing some minor work, 1st gear, low range, 1200rpm, when I heard a moderately loud bang.

Pushed the brake and clutch and nothing happened. Tractor kept on rolling.

Slowed down when I reduced the throttle and finally stopped when I popped the tranny out of gear.

No obvious external damage and the clutch still controls the PTO, just won't disengage the transmission.

I figure I’ll start to split the tractor to check for internal damage in the clutch housing.

Any tech guru's have any suggestions on what to look for ?

 

[K5lwq]

Before splitting, is there a inspection plate in the bottom of the bell housing?

Pto probably works of a switch on the pedal.

 

[Navvet]

Before splitting, is there a inspection plate in the bottom of the bell housing?

Pto probably works of a switch on the pedal.

No inspection plate ...

The Transmission and the PTO are a dual clutch system off of a single pedal. Upper half of the pedal travel is the transmission and the lower is the PTO (so you can change gears without interrupting the PTO operation).

 

[K5lwq]

I see, I was thinking it had independent PTO not live. Hate they did not put a inspection plate. Not that it would not change the need to split but at least you would have a idea of what you needed.

 

[Navvet]

Yea, was hoping to find some one who has seen a similar problem and might have some tips.

Usually a good idea to pick the brains of those with more experience ....

 

[Navvet]

Almost got the tractor ready to split, can't wait to see what's broken ...

 

[skipmarcy]

My 4110 is an independent PTO so no dual clutch but when my tractor had the same symptoms 3 times over the years it was 1 of the pressure plate thru bolts snapped - not the bolts that hold the plate to the flywheel, one of 3 bolts that hold the face plate against the springs between the cover and also hold one of the fingers the release bearing rides on. I tried to find just a new bolt, even at a clutch rebuilder in Nashville but no luck. Had to get a reman pressure plate.

 

[kantuckid]

Maybe: Kentucky Driveline and Clutch-they are just south of Louisville, KY

 

[Navvet]

I think I found my problem, surprisingly I didn't see any thing else damaged.

 

[fried1765]

I think I found my problem, surprisingly I didn't see any thing else damaged.

Yup!
You found it!

 

[RickB]

That's a sorry excuse for a clutch disc. That kind of failure just shouldn't happen if the clutch is sized to the engine torque.

 

[Navvet]

That's a sorry excuse for a clutch disc. That kind of failure just shouldn't happen if the clutch is sized to the engine torque.

I thought so too until I realized that same clutch is used in a Case/IH 523 which has 11 more HP. I think its more of a one-off failure, especially with only 250 hours on the machine.

 

[Tinhack]

That's how they build things now in the "Save the Planet" era.

 

[kantuckid]

FWIW, r.e. that style of clutch: The guy who installed my replacement Kioti clutch used the pad style saying he'd found over the years that they are more robust than disc clutches. For reference he's a 74 yr old, lifetime tractor mechanic from a JD dealership background. I hope he's right. Clutches are very generic parts in tractors that often cover lots of brands/models.
Murphy's law applies to many mechanical parts?

 

[Navvet]

FWIW, r.e. that style of clutch: The guy who installed my replacement Kioti clutch used the pad style saying he'd found over the years that they are more robust than disc clutches. For reference he's a 74 yr old, lifetime tractor mechanic from a JD dealership background. I hope he's right. Clutches are very generic parts in tractors that often cover lots of brands/models.
Murphy's law applies to many mechanical parts?

Yes, I was amazed to see that the same clutch plate is listed as a replacement on an 80hp Case/IH 845. Should defiantly be strong enough for my little 40hp Mahindra.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Yes, I was amazed to see that the same clutch plate is listed as a replacement on an 80hp Case/IH 845. Should defiantly be strong enough for my little 40hp Mahindra.

You mean it has the exact same part number??

SR

 

[Navvet]

You mean it has the exact same part number??

SR

I mean it is listed as fitting several models .... Both Mahindra and Case/IH

 

[Navvet]

Welp, 3 days for shipping and 4 days grunting and tugging (and a new Harbor Freight 2 ton engine hoist) and I'm up and running again. I also changed the oil and hydraulic since I had it apart as well as full greasing and fixed some routing and protection issues with the wiring and hydraulics.

Dealer quoted me $4k to $5k and 30 to 90 days after they get the parts (Expected 3-4 months for parts delivery).

My total cost including clutch, release bearing, filters and fluids, plus a new engine hoist; less than $700.00

 

[SPYDERLK]

I think I found my problem, surprisingly I didn't see any thing else damaged.

Whatever got into them to use a radiator fan for a clutch plate?

 

[Fixastuff]

That's how they build things now in the "Save the Planet" era.

I think it's more likely made like that to save pennies/dollars and increase profit....