Ford 5000 lost nearly all power

[blackeye]

Cutting hay today, when the tractor lost nearly all power. Starts/runs, but if on a slight incline, will slow to a stop
even though engine keeps running. RPMs seemingly irrelevant. Disconnected the mower, and drove it back to the barn.
Will run in first and second slowly on the hills; higher gears possible only on the flat. Shifting seems more difficult.
Tractor newbie, and in the middle of haying, and my mechanic just moved out of town. Help!

 

[japody]

Sounds like clutch issue.

 

[aczlan]

If you have it in first gear and step on the brakes (without touching the clutch), does it stop moving or bog down the engine? If the brakes don't hold it, try pushing on a tree. If the wheels don't spin, you probably need a new clutch.

Aaron Z

 

[blackeye]

Aaron,
Just tried this. Stops easily braking in first. This means new clutch?

 

[TomSeller]

How long since the fuel filter has been changed? How air filter?

Edit. I just noticed you said shifting is difficult.

 

[aczlan]

Aaron,
Just tried this. Stops easily braking in first. This means new clutch?

Does the engine bog down and stall out when it stops? If the engine does not bog down when the tractor stops that means you will need a new clutch (there is a remote possibility that the linkage needs to be adjusted, but either way, I would have a mechanic look at it).

Aaron Z

 

[banjodunn]

G'day check to make sure clutch pedal has free travel might get lucky and only need an adjustment

Jon

 

[blackeye]

Aaron -- No bogging down at all. Engine purrs and seems to not notice that I'm standing on the brake without depressing the clutch.
Jon -- Clutch seems to travel freely, so perhaps I'm unlucky. But I'll check this out more thoroughly.
Tom -- fuel filter changed last month. air filter cleaned out last week.

Thanks for all your replies. I'm hoping to get someone out here today to diagnose it.

 

[aczlan]

Aaron -- No bogging down at all. Engine purrs and seems to not notice that I'm standing on the brake without depressing the clutch.
Jon -- Clutch seems to travel freely, so perhaps I'm unlucky. But I'll check this out more thoroughly.
Tom -- fuel filter changed last month. air filter cleaned out last week.

Thanks for all your replies. I'm hoping to get someone out here today to diagnose it.

Sounds like a bad clutch then, if its linkage any competent tractor mechanic should be able to check and adjust that if needed.

Aaron Z

 

[blackeye]

Mechanic came today and adjusted the clutch rod. Seems to stay in gear now. Shifting is easier, though he thought there were
probably issues in the clutch. Gonna try to finish the hay and reassess. Thanks again.