Fixed PTO grinding sound

Bart · Jun 5, 2002

About a month ago I posted a problem with my Ford 1710. It would grind when you tried to engage the PTO with a KK five foot finish mower attached to the PTO.This tractor has a two-stage clutch and even though I thought I had adjusted the clutch properly(3/4 inch of pedal free-play) it still grinded.
Another turn and a half of the adjustment rod to make up for the slop in the linkage DID THE TRICK!!!!

Question, I still have approximately 3/4 of the adjustment
threads left ,does this mean the clutch adjustment process has just started and the clutch life expectancy is still relatively good and also how often should I have to expect to adjust the clutch under easy use ,mostly mowing (Tractor has 1500 hours on it)
Thanks Bart

RickB · Jun 12, 2002

Clutch linkage wear will increase free play, as you just found out. Actual clutch wear will DECREASE freeplay, necessitating linkage adjustments. Normally, as the transmission clutch disc wears, the internal 'step ' adjustment between stages increases and sooner or later, you will lose the ability to adjust out the grinding of the PTO without eliminating the freeplay. At that time, bite the bullet and split the tractor. Usually at that time, the transmission disc, pilot & release bearings and maybe the PTO disc can be replaced without replacing pressure plates. If you run it longer, plate damage can occur, as well as damage to the sliding gears in the PTO driveline. Not all repairs are typical; some more complicated than others.