The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

62 model super major.
I can get the pto engaged on a rotary mower by pulling the pto engagement handle at just the right time, along with pushing the starter handle down.
If it doesn't "catch", I have to shut the tractor off and try again.
Once everything is spinning, I can mow 3ft tall, thick grass, all day.
I am tired of playing the game of guessing when to pull the pto handle, vs the starter, to minimize grinding though.
What do i need to do to be able to get the dual mass flywheel setup to release the pto ?
I have even tried shutting the tractor off with the mower running, in tall grass, while the clutch pedal is pushed down, and I can't get anything to break free.
Whatever is frozen or stuck can handle the pedal being pushed in, while trying to back over small tree branches even.
It's not going to "pop" loose.
The clutch pedal has about 1 and a half inches of free play.
Is this ok, or should I tighten it up.
My pedal only wants to engage my driveline, when the pedal is within 2 inches of me taking my foot off the clutch.
Is the clutch shot and time for a rebuild ?
Are there any other adjustments that can be done ?
Thanks, Brent.

It sounds as though your two-stage clutch isn’t functioning correctly. Possibly out of adjustment, or the PTO plates could be stuck or rusted. Do you push the pedal right down when engaging the PTO?

Have you got the stop pin in? If so no wonder you have these issues, the stop pin must be out for PTO work, there's a storage hole above the pedal. If even then it doesn't work try shortening the release rod, if it now bottoms inside (and not on the stop bracket as it should) then you'll need to dismantle the clutch. It does sound like the PTO clutch is in trouble. The PTO levers should be some 0.62" behind the transmission levers, I recommend you see this old thread: viewtopic.php?p=58835#p58835
Sandy

Just so I am not making an idiot of myself, do you have a picture of the stop pin and where the storage location hole is, you are referring to?
I am assuming if this pin is in the storage hole, it prevents the pto from being able to engage and disengage ?
I have tried pushing the clutch pedal and engaging the pto in a couple seconds. I have also tried pushing the clutch pedal all the way down, and waiting as long as 2 minutes.
I still cannot make the pto stop turning with the clutch pedal whenthe pto handle is engaged, regardless is something is connected to the pto output or not.
My pto will engage and disengage with very minimal grinding, when nothing is connected to the pto output shaft.
I can get the pro to engage with a brush hog connected to the pto output, but it takes some precise timing of when to throw the pto lever and the starter, to prevent grinding.
Basically I have to start the engine, and as it catches, pull the pto handle.
I know this is not a good practice, but it's all I can make work for now, and the grass is hitting me in the butt, as fast as I can mow it.

Unfortunately I don't have a pic as we don't have a live clutch, but if you look at the manual in the old thread it should cover that. Having the stop pin in the storage hole makes no difference to not having it (you should feel an increase in pressure halfway down roughly), if it's in the working hole it will give the problem you have. If you look at the pedal stop bracket (below the footplate) you should see immediately, If taking the stop pin out fixes it then that's all there is to it, if not then it's a full clutch overhaul, I would recommend not adjusting the lever screws unless they seem a long way from the 0.62" gap (this is to ensure full travel for the main clutch before releasing the PTO clutch).
Sandy

Thank you for all your advice.
Final question.
Is there anywhere that rebuilds a Super major pressure plate in the USA, or is there a kit to overhaul it myself ?
The price for a rebuilt pressure plate is over 800$ U.S. and that's all I can find available.
I had found a new pto pump for a super major awhile back, but I'm hesitant to put 800$ into a clutch with a pto pump that could let go at any time.
I've already had the surfaces machined, in order to tighten the tolerances, to stop the seals from ripping.
I've finally about got this thing trust worthy.
I just need the clutch to work correctly.

You can do the clutch yourself, but you do need to be careful, post lots of pics and we'll keep you going if you have any trouble. Most of the special tools are for making a quick job and only a few are actually necessary, in this care the setting tool, but if you leave the lever adjusting screws and roughly verify the 0.62" difference everything should be ok. I recommend you don't use the PTO until you fix the clutch.
Sandy

Thanks again for all the advice.
I appreciate it.