JD 5425 - PTO Clutch Lever Linkage

[duckduke]

I hooked up my 8' cutter for the first time this year yesterday. Engaged PTO lever and all seemed good at first cutting over some very light stuff that had already been cut a week or 2 ago.

Then I hit some thicker uncut area and the PTO RPM slowed significantly almost as if PTO wasn"t engaged (but if was). After backing out and dis-engaging and re-engaging PTO lever, I tried again with same result. So ........ I pulled out and went to park tractor but PTO kept turning even with lever dis-engaged.

After some reading ...... I determined that the PTO clutch lever linkage needed adjusting. I figured the PTO must not be fully engaging. This adjustment is a standard 300 maintenance item/check.

I just purchased this tractor a year ago with about 735 hours. I changed all filters and fluids (except hydraulic fluid). The hydraulic fluid level is barely touching the "full" sight glass.

PROBLEM:
I can't seem to get any adjustment on the yoke at the end of the cable. I easily took the bolt loose, etc. But when I turn the yoke, left or right, the cable feels like it's binding up in the cable shaft and I don't see any real movement in the yoke. According to the operating manual directions, u just put bolt in the hole in the end of the yoke and turn clockwise/counterclockwise to adjust linkage. Cables always give me problems.

Anyone with experience ..... Feel free to give some advice.

NOTE: I was able to move/pry the PTO clutch arm forward to the PTO off position and started tractor. PTO was off as expected. This sorta confirms that everything is working except the PTO clutch linkage/cable apparently needs adjusting.

 

[beenthere]

Here is a thread with cable sticking problems, may be worth a read. Hope you get the cable freed up.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ohn-deere-syncrovantage-power-reverser-2.html

 

[duckduke]

My problem was simply that the "YOKE" (as it's called in the JD manual) was rusted/frozen to the threaded end of the cable that the "YOKE" was supposed to turn on. There is a hex sided section below the treaded rod that screws into the "YOKE". You have to push the spring back and grab the hex sided section below the treads with a wrench or vice grips and turn the "YOKE" to break the connection. Once I broke the connection the "YOKE" would easily turn by hand to adjust the PTO cable.

I finally got it adjusted pretty well but in diagnosing everything found my hydraulic fluid pretty cloudy. I fully changed the fluid and filter.

With the cable adjusted and fresh fluid....... I hooked up PTO to cutter/mower and used it for 1-2 hours about a week ago. The PTO/mower still seemed to bog down easier than it should in heavy grass.

This past week end I tried to use PTO/mower again and it would not engage. I disconnected mower and disconnected PTO cable from PTO lever on transmission. I manually moved the PTO lever to rearward to engage PTO ....... nothing. It's as if now I have "0" PTO.

This 5425 only has 625 hours. I can't imagine that the PTO clutch is toast. In the past year that I have had the 5425 I have probably only used the PTO/mower 15-20 hours.

I have no clue what my problem is now......... but the last few days I have not been able to get the PTO to engage at all.

With the tractor off ....... you can turn the PTO shaft by hand....... so I assume it is not frozen or anything.

Anyway....... still working on this one and willing to try anything before having to get into the clutches.

 

[Zebrafive]

It sounds like the pressure plate or fingers are stuck, not allowing the springs to put pressure on the plate and clamp the PTO clutch disc. Or the PTO clutch is worn too thin.

Is there any inspection port?

 

[duckduke]

I just found it this thread I had posted and wanted to say thanks for the responses.

What ultimately happened is my PTO went out... u couldn't even manually engage.

The my clutch clutch went out.

I know then it needed to split. Finally located a mechanic and all good. Said once split .... He didn't understand how I ever drove tractor. Some bushings that are exposed on side of engine/trans housing were totally rusted and froze up along with the rods they connect with. He said he spent more time cleaning that mess up than he did splitting changing clutch which was pretty easy.

When I asked how worn the clutch was he said "I don't know" . I asked what do u mean. He said, "I couldn't tell because they were so rusted" .

So basically, this tractor must have taken some water/flood and I was dealing with the residual problems. I bought the tractor about 2 yrs ago. It worked fine for about 1+ years.

Anyway.... All seems good now. We'll see. Thanks again!!