Belarus 570 Clutch slipping??

[jimb111]

Have a possible clutch problem with a 1997/98 570 with 450 hours. Was moving a round bale of hay today and as I started to climb a very slight incline, the tractor stopped pulling. I have not noticed any slippage or anything out of the ordinary in the past. A very very slight amount of torque can be noticed and a very slight slipping noise can be heard when the clutch is released. I did not smell anything like hot asbestos that could indicate slippage. The tractor goes into and out of gear normally. Anyone had a similar experience and what is the best method to isolate the problem. I know that clutch replacement would be very expensive and I do not want to pay to have the machine picked up and a clutch replaced until I am sure that is the problem.
Any advice and suggestions appreciated.

 

[MMM]

Hydraulic or mechanical activated? Sounds odd that it quit w/o warning. Usually know you're gonna need one before it quits.

 

[jimb111]

MMM,
The clutch is all mechanical linkage. You are correct that one would expect some sort of warning or slippage but the clutch had always worked perfectly. Maybe the problem is elsewhere but my first instinct is clutch.
Thanks.

 

[MMM]

See if pedal height is correct when released(linkage bind). If there's a dust cover or access to housing(pull starter) see if there's evid of oil on flywheel.Might see if it will grind putting it in gear w/o clutch. Could be worse than clutch, like transmission, etc. Don't know much about Belarus options. Got shuttle reverse, powershift?

 

[jimb111]

Thank very much gents, I located the problem and the keyed stub had fallen out of the axle. I used the differential lock to get to the shed, backtracked and found the key.
I welded a small bead on both ends of the key as a preventive measure to prevent future failures.
The clutch works fine.
The advice from all is much appreciated