HST Clutch Pedal - Starting Tractor

[Mike_VT]

Has anyone disengaged the clutch so you can start the tractor without having to push in the clutch. I do a lot of PTO chipping with the tractor and it is pain having to jump in every time I need to re-start the tractor. On my my old L4330 gst there was no need to push a clutch. thanks. mike

 

[Mike_VT]

darn..posted this in the wrong area meant to post in owining operating section.

 

[crazyal]

Obviously besides safety it's there to reduce the load on the starter. On the newer tractors you would need to override both the clutch and PTO engaged interlocks. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard.

I wouldn't do it simply because when break a shear pin while snow blowing I often forget to disengage the PTO since I always shut the tractor off. When getting back on I have been in a hurry to finish up and tried to start it only to have the tractor beep and tell me to push the clutch in and turn off the PTO.

If you're better at remembering than me and nobody else will use the tractor then I would say go ahead. I'm sure you are aware of the safety aspects.

 

[Mike_VT]

Completely agree on the safety aspects, never can be too safe!! I just find it to be such a pain from what I have growth accustom.

The PTO override is critical, but the clutch part I could do without. I am going to take a closer look this weekend. Right now I am still getting used to the machine only 7 hrs of time probably 1/2 that just figuring stuff out. thanks. Mike

 

[TripleR]

Our geared tractors with independent PTO don't have a clutch over ride, so it isn't important to me. Also, you don't have to depress the clutch to start, just have it in neutral.

We also have HST tractors with no clutch; don't know why Kubota hangs on to them on HST models.

 

[KYDan]

I have the MX5100 HST and yes, the need to climb into the seat and depress the clutch pedal to start the tractor is a pain. I have found the clutch useful on the HST for disengaging the PTO. I mow some rough, rocky, and stump-riddled areas every few years and if I hit some unseen object it is great to save the mower. Also, it is handy when using the PHD when I get into rocky, mucky dirt. I still have not gotten totally accustomed to the HST yet, and still upon occasion find myself using the clutch when stopping the tractor, but I am getting over it!

 

[Bird]

darn..posted this in the wrong area meant to post in owining operating section.

OK, it's moved.

 

[teg]

Thread about disabling the safety switch for the clutch:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/217892-disabled-clutch-safety-switch-why.html

I did it on my L2800 clutch and am very happy with it... It amazes me how many times when I'm in the seat that I *still* use the clutch

When I use the PTO Chipper, I still have to get on/off my tractor to engage the chipper (..let the clutch out slowly). Turning it off is a flip of a lever from the ground... Not sure how much help the disabled clutch would help when you are chipping?

 

[Mike_VT]

thanks for the post. I too have run through this in my head and can't come up with any reason for having to push in the clutch to start.

I know safety os always a concern, but why would some models have and other kubota models not have the feature. My gst l4330 just had to be in neutral.

 

[savageactor7]

My knees feel your pain Mike. What I do while standing on the ground is pre-heat, depress clutch with hand, reach up and turn key.

 

[jinman]

Mike, do you have a parking brake? On some tractors, if the transmission is in neutral and PTO disengaged, the parking brake will override the seat switch.

 

[whistlepig]

For chipper work on my B7800 you can engage the the PTO, flip up the seat, and the PTO will run while you are dismounted. Per the owners manual.

 

[JoeL4330]

OP: I have a Grand L4330 and have to depress the clutch to start ...interesting you didn't have to ... (mine is an HST, if that matters).

Still, I am not sure, even if I coulr, that I would want to start with the PTO engaged (which I cannot do, irrespective of the clutch) ...can be quite a load.

 

[Mike_VT]

My L4330 was a GST tranny. Still had to disengae the PTO but that is not the same as having to push in the clutch pedal with my hand then reach over to turn the key.

 

[crazyal]

What you could do is wire a momentary switch in parallel with the clutch switch. That way you would need to push the override while starting or the clutch.

 

[71bronco]

I have a L3240DT and I can stand right beside it and start as long as the shuttle is in neutral. It's nice to be able to start it so it warms up without climbing up.

Jeff

 

[nybirdman]

I think one thing we are forgetting about the clutch on HST tractors;it disengages the transmission....less to turn over.I have noticed the extra load when starting cold(when you engage the clutch).So easier starting with the clutch engaged.