JD Hydro 345 - Noise

AuCivil · Sep 20, 2004

I have a JD 345 Hydro w/ Kaw 18hp engine. The unit has 303hrs and is about 9 years old. The next to last time I mowed it started making a knocking/whine noise around the lower part of the engine. The last time I mowed it was fine for about 30 min. then I noticed the noise again. Originally thought something got caught up in the deck belt - but determined noise is not in the deck.

Any suggestions? Hydro - engine?

Greg

riches139 · Sep 20, 2004

You'll have to locate the noise first.

Not enough info.

AuCivil · Oct 4, 2004

Checked noise further - It seems to be coming from what appears to be a clutch mechanism attached to the motor shaft and drives the belts.

Can this be repaired or is a replacement required?

If a replacement is required - should I drive it until the unit craps out?

tomnky · Oct 4, 2004

If it is an electromagnetic clutch, then it has pressed in bearings at the top and bottom of the clutch that the crankshaft runs through.

These are sealed bearings , I had to replace the clutch assembly to the tune of $125.00 when mine burned out. Installed it myself.

Good Luck

yellowsocks93 · Oct 4, 2004

Yep if it is the PTO clutch then it has to be replaced as a complete unit. You could drive it until it fully wears out it will just create a lot of heat and noise but you could.

bontai_Joe · Oct 5, 2004

You should closely visually check the clutch to see if a twig, or some other type of crud has gotten inside the clutch and is rubbing against the clutch surfaces when spinning. It might be as simple as blowing it out with compressed air.