How to Troubleshoot a Clutch That Engages Harshly on a John Deere Lawn Tractor
- 1). Free the slip clutch. The slip clutch will slip if the tractor has been stored for an extended period of time due to moisture build-up that can cause the metal to stick.
- 2). Mark a chalk line across the spring plate and the hub. Turn the tractor on and run the engine at about 1500 RPM before engaging the PTO for several seconds. This should cause the clutch to slip. Try this three times and check the chalk lines after that to make sure they are not lined up. If the lines are still evenly matched, the slip clutch is badly locked.
- 3). Check the set screws and make sure they are backed all the way out by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver.
- 4). Check the disc spring. The concave side of it needs to be facing away from the yoke end.
- 5). Examine the gaps in the clutch. John Deere recommends that MX5 and MX6 have a clutch plate-to-spring gap of 4mm. MX7's gap should be 5.7mm. MX8 and MX10 are supposed to have a ring-to-spring gap of 1mm. HX 10 and HX14 are 1mm as well. If the gap sizes are off, the clutch will need adjusting and possible repair.
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