4300 PTO stalls

[jeff408]

I first noticed it when I was running the rotary tiller, it would stop the tiller when it would hit a rock or something. Then when I was using the posthole digger today the auger would stop if I hit a rock so I would pull it up and it would start turning again. Any thoughts.
Thanks, Jeff

 

[kennyd]

Possibly the PTO clutch is slipping...how many hours on the machine?

 

[jeff408]

1000 hrs. Thats kind of what I was thinking, clutch slipping. If so how big of of job is it to fix? Also can I harm anything if I continue to run I that way. Because it seems to work just fine tell I hit an immoveable object.

 

[kennyd]

User dfkrug may be able to help you, he is in the process of rebuilding a 4300 as we speak and knows the insides pretty well. View the thread HERE.

 

[mfreund]

Here is a thread on a pto clutch replacement on a 4310. Hope it is similar!!!


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/111387-4310-rear-power-take-off.html

 

[jeff408]

Perfect, that helps a lot.

 

[dfkrug]

Unfortunately, I was wrong about the 4310 vs the 4300 PTO clutch.
The former is electrically actuated, so it can be removed and fixed
thru the rear PTO cover. On the 4300, you have to remove it and
the 3-pt cylinder (rockshaft) housing. At least you do not have to
crack the tractor in sections.

This PTO clutch problem seems to be pandemic with the 4x00s.

 

[jeff408]

Is the PTO clutch something your average backyard mechanic can tackle? Can the clutch plates be replaced or do you have to buy a whole new clutch?

 

[dfkrug]

Is the PTO clutch something your average backyard mechanic can tackle? Can the clutch plates be replaced or do you have to buy a whole new clutch?

Getting at the clutch is not bad at all. You do need to lift off the 3-pt
cyl housing, which weighs 80-90#, and is clumsy. Also, the right rear
wheel needs to come off so you can get the PTO shift shaft out. No
special tools required.

First thing I would do is remove the rear gearbox case cover (PTO cover)
and see what you have in the sump. Like clutch chunks.

As for parts, JD sells the clutch pack (9 friction discs and 8 plates) for
$240, which is high, IMO. I returned my pack after I was able to locate one
more separate friction disc---used but OK. I have one extra if that is
all you need. I found that there was enough play in the clutch engagement
to cause the last disc in the stack to slightly protrude from the clutch
basket, which caused that disc to break. My solution was to eliminate one
friction disc, replacing it with one clutch plate to get the right overall
thickness. My PTO clutch now has only 8 friction discs, but it seems to
work in my dry tests.

Did you look at the photos I posted?

 

[jeff408]

I read through your 4300 rebuild with great interest before I knew I needed to do some PTO clutch work. I need to go back through and see what more I can learn. I realy appreciate you and the others on here who are willing to help out those of us that need help.
Thanks, Jeff

 

[dfkrug]

Oh, yeah, you can also drain your oil, pull the suction screen, and look
into the sump to see if there are any clutch chunks in there. Good luck,
Jeff.

 

[Wayne_H]

Are you sure you are pushing the PTO lever all the way forward, not stopping at the first notch? Hard for me to imagine with 1000 hours your clutch is worn out. The 4300 (like my 4400) is mechanically engaged, on more than one occasion I did not push it "all" the way forward, and it will act like it is slipping.

Wayne

 

[jeff408]

Are you sure you are pushing the PTO lever all the way forward, not stopping at the first notch? Hard for me to imagine with 1000 hours your clutch is worn out. The 4300 (like my 4400) is mechanically engaged, on more than one occasion I did not push it "all" the way forward, and it will act like it is slipping.

Wayne

No, I'm not sure. I will check into that. I just thought if it was turning it must must be fully engauged. Thanks for the reply I would feel pretty stupid if I tore into it and it could of been something so simple.
Jeff

 

[jeff408]

Wayne_H I think you may have hit the nail on the head. I say may because I dont want to jinx myself. Today I was using the auger and put the lever as normal and it would stall on a big hit. Then I engauged it even further and went right back in the same spot and it wouldnt stall( Knock on wood). I really appreciate the help from all of you.
Jeff

 

[Wayne_H]

Well???? How's it working??

Wayne

 

[jeff408]

I havent used it sence the other day when I reported that it seemed to work right when I engauged it all the way. At least I some pretty good hope now. I'll probably be back on it this weekend and I'll let you know.