CK20 Worries Me

[gilbertmsg]

I have a CK20 with approx. 12 hrs. I was using only the loader only until I picked up a 4' bush hog yesterday. My concerns are when clutch is depressed when cutter is engaged, I hear a clattering noise in the clutch/PTO area underneath the tractor. I was so concerned, I loaded on trailer and went to dealer. Mechanic there stated it was the cupler in the clutch. I said great and back to the house to continue my work. This is my second tractor, first did not last very long, purchased off internet. I can take the rear PTO out of gear and the noise will go away, clutch depressed or not. I have about 70 hours of seat time on the old tractor and never heard any noises stated above while using a finish mower. I'm just concerned of messing up my new tractor.

Thanks

Eddie

 

[KAB]

That would be the overrunning clutch (I think it is the correct term) it is perfectly normal and you will have no problems.

Kurt

 

[mark.r]

You say when the clutch is depressed. Are sitting still with the blades spinning on the cutter? What happens when you drive off and start cutting material?

 

[gilbertmsg]

Thanks for posts Kurt & Mark, it is a loud noise, but it does go away as soon as I release the clutch and go back to mowing. Nothing like a second opinion.

Eddie

 

[ToadHill]

If your CK20 is like my DK35 the PTO is activated by an electric selinoid. When you get ready to engage it, set the tractor to idle and increase it ro running speed after the PTO engages. It reduces the noise to almost nothing.

 

[mark.r]

If your CK20 is like my DK35 the PTO is activated by an electric selinoid. When you get ready to engage it, set the tractor to idle and increase it ro running speed after the PTO engages. It reduces the noise to almost nothing.

This is great advice especially with the brush cutter. The noise much more noticeable vs. a finishing mower and can be rather violet if done with the RPM's to high.

 

[Dmace]

To engage the PTO, you lower the rpm - push in the clutch - move the PTO lever to on - slowly let out the clutch and raise rpms to desired amount.

To disengage the PTO, you do not need to use the clutch. I just grab the PTO lever and slide it to OFF. I think the point of the over running clutch is so that if you want to slow down the attachment that is spinning at 540rpms, you can push in the clutch and it will click like a sun-of-a-gun but slow it down quicker. With my snowblower, I just slide the lever to off and let it stop on its own.

Any pics of the little monster?

 

[Spider]

The overrun clutch on the PTO as far as I am aware is to protect the engine of the tractor, PTO shaft and PTO drive mechanism if the cutting head hits something solid. If this was not in place then the whole system would be 'jarred' when the cutter heads stop rotating. It can also be a benefit the opposite way when too many revs are trying to start a stationary cutting head moving.

 

[driver444]

Actually, the purpose of that over-running clutch is so the turning momentum of your brush hog doesn't feed back through the PTO shaft and through your transmission. It's basically like a ratchet. Power can only be transmitted in one direction.

THE REASON FOR THIS...
If you get those blades spinning fast, and put the clutch in to stop fast or change direction, (with the PTO still engaged) the rotational momentum of the blades will actually force the tractor forward. It's like a giant flywheel. That clutch lets the PTO shaft "over-run". It's a safety feature so you can remain in control of the tractor. And YES, they make a God awful noise, but you're not doing any damage.

I believe the last post was referring to a "slip-clutch" That is to prevent damage to the drivetrain if you hit something. It takes the place of a shear bolt.

 

[gilbertmsg]

I'm doing everything the correct way, just working in a tight area, (have to push in clutch often to move around in area that is being cleared. I can disengage the rear PTO and the noise quits, but have to wait until blades on hog stops before I can start again. I will post some pictures tonight after I finish playing or working. This little tractor can really move some material.

Eddie

 

[Highbeam]

Don't you have a two stage clutch? so that you can shift gears and directions without disengaging PTO power? I leave the mower blades spinning while moving around in tight brush. I might lift the deck up a little higher after cutting and while avoiding a stump.

HST sure is nice in the tight stuff.

 

[IslandTractor]

Took Bush Hog off, not enough room to turn around. Pics are from today while clearing brush. My sexy wife took them for me.... and then wouldn't let me take any of her!!! lol

Working on clearing about 1 acre for more pasture for our 3 horses. Having fun.

Man, you shouldn't be anywhere near that pile of brush without a grapple! Next thing you know you'll be like Highbeam trying to clear half the state of Washington with just a bucket.

 

[gilbertmsg]

I'm sure the grapple would make things much easier. I was very suprised with how much I could push up in a pile. I can push more than I ever thought possible. After I get this cleared, 1 acre on upper side and about 3 on the lower side of our property, I would have little or no use for a grapple. Much rather spend what little I have on grass seed and our horses. I was planning on paying to have land cleared, but have found I can do it myself and save a bunch. Tractor, chain saw and a little sweat and it's amazing what can be done. Looking for good ideas on getting the small stumps (1" to 6") out of the ground.

Eddie

 

[KAB]

Looking for good ideas on getting the small stumps (1" to 6") out of the ground.

Eddie

Backhoe -->> KB2365 (or whatever has replaced it now)


Actually - Rent a stump grinder or rent a backhoe.

Kurt

 

[Mastertech]

Hey where is the snow in that picture!!! I got to get out of Michigan

 

[Highbeam]

Man, you shouldn't be anywhere near that pile of brush without a grapple! Next thing you know you'll be like Highbeam trying to clear half the state of Washington with just a bucket.

I know I know, I need a grapple too. The thing about pushing the brush into piles like your photos is that eventually you'll have to get the brush out of there for burning or consolidation. Perhaps you can try my method of creating a clearing and then pushing all the brush into the clearing in one huge pile. It is a big land clearing no-no to push brush into and against trees.

Are you going to burn it? You look to be in pretty dense forest meaning even one acre will make a mountain of brush.

 

[mark.r]

Man, you shouldn't be anywhere near that pile of brush without a grapple!

I knew that was coming . . .

 

[IslandTractor]

I knew that was coming . . .

Yeah, I only own a tractor so I can run my grapple. It is the implement of choice for about 90% of my tasks. When I put a grapple on my CK20 I did not put the standard bucket with toothbar back on the tractor until the day Wallace showed up to take it away as a trade in. Grapples rule!