John Deere 2120 Clutch Problems

[nokiddin]

Hey all.

So I have an old 2120, can't remember the year off the top of my head, but one the old ones.

Lately, I've been having trouble getting it into gear. Most times when I have the Clutch fully in, the gears grind bad, almost like the clutch isn't in at all. Then sometimes it seems to not grind at all, but only shifting into low or reverse, shifting into high range has the most trouble. I can still get by if I idle the engine right down, and shift, might grind the gears a bit, but usually get it in.

I adjusted the clutch lever right up to a half inch of play, but that didn't change anything.

So I am thinking the clutch is going. Is what I am describing typical for a worn clutch? My only experience with a blown clutch was on my dad's 3130 and it went from working fine to nothing in an instant.

Am I missing something?

Lastly, if the clutch needs replacing, just how big of job is it. Now I know it's a big job, but I am pretty handy. Do I need a hoist and such to pull the tractor apart? Lots of specialized equipment?

Thanks so much guys.

 

[beenthere]

Does sound like splitting the tractor will be needed, and that shouldn't be too difficult.
Here is a video that shows some rigging that will support the front end ahead of the clutch housing to allow rolling it away from the rear end. A jack and blocking will support the rear. Just some careful planning and rigging will be very helpful.

Wish you well.. sounds like your diagnosis is right.

 

[Tx Jim]

Sounds as if clutch plate is dragging or pilot brg that end of trans input shaft rests in is failing. I agree with beenthere that a tractor split will be required to solve either problem.

 

[nokiddin]

Thanks for the insight guys.

Is there particular components that you typically just change since you have it all open? Or do you typically open and examine first to see what is all wrong?

 

[orezok]

I would replace and exposed seals.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Thanks for the insight guys.

Is there particular components that you typically just change since you have it all open? Or do you typically open and examine first to see what is all wrong?

Clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing. I think those have double clutches in them. Neighbor has a 68 model still has orig clutch. He runs 1000 head cattle, farms, cuts hay. Tractor gets used. Only tractor until the 90's. You may just need to grease the throw out bearing. Some of those have a grease hose that has a grease zerk screwed into it that lets you grease the bearing from the outside. Maybe thats all you need. Take off inspection plates and see that you lube the trans snout too, where the to bearing slides.

 

[nokiddin]

Clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing. I think those have double clutches in them. Neighbor has a 68 model still has orig clutch. He runs 1000 head cattle, farms, cuts hay. Tractor gets used. Only tractor until the 90's. You may just need to grease the throw out bearing. Some of those have a grease hose that has a grease zerk screwed into it that lets you grease the bearing from the outside. Maybe thats all you need. Take off inspection plates and see that you lube the trans snout too, where the to bearing slides.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely take a look for that. That would be a lot easier! Any idea where I might locate the grease hose?

 

[Tx Jim]

Throwout brg grease zerk is item 23 accessed by removing round inspection cover in clutch housing closest to engine .

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/60379/referrer/navigation/pgId/240802

 

[nokiddin]

Is there a specific type of grease I should use for that? Or just the all purpose stuff u use for everything else?

 

[Tx Jim]

General purpose grease is fine. Be sure not to over grease the TO brg.