Rotary Cutter JD 5103 PTO slows down

[witler]

The PTO slows down and almost stops when I run the cutter into high grass. I have to slow the tractor down and let the PTO catch back up. It has never done this before, any thoughts?

Did this get resolved, I have same problem with my JD 5103. I am using a Kodiak 4 ft. Rotary cutter, which has a shear pin, so cutter clutch is not slipping.

 

[Harry in Ky]

The tractor has a two stage/dual clutch. One portion of which drives the PTO. The PTO lever and related linkage has been changed a few times on those tractors so I can't give you any specifics but the principal is the same on all of them. The lever (when moved to the PTO on position) pushes the PTO throw out bearing into clutch levers engaging the PTO clutch disc. It must have sufficient force applied to keep the disc from slipping, so the handle requires a good amount of force to push it forward. Once engaged the linkage will over center and stay in place until you pull it back. I have to ask how much effort does it take to move the lever into the run position? I adjust them so I can just barley get it to go over center with one hand. If it's easy to do, it's too loose. The adjustment is on the rod below the foot plate.

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/4351/referrer/navigation/pgId/2875118