
The best way to test a PTO clutch on a Cub Cadet is to engage the PTO lever and try to start the engine. If the engine starts, then the clutch is working. If the engine does not start, then the clutch may be damaged or need to be replaced.
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How do you check the PTO clutch on a Cub Cadet?
0:322:32Testing An electric Mower PTO clutch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow first off i'll do it you can hear it. And then if i sit here and spin. It you can see here they'MoreNow first off i'll do it you can hear it. And then if i sit here and spin. It you can see here they're spinning. Independently. If i power it. Up.
How do you diagnose a PTO clutch?
Activate the PTO engagement lever, then disengage it. Turn it on and off several times. If you do not hear a disengagement noise or see the power takeoff pulley stopping or slowing down at any time, it indicates the clutch and plates have galled together from excessive heat, or the slip ring has jammed.
How do I know if my lawn mower clutch is bad?
If the clutch is damaged, you may hear it slipping while it tries to engage, or you might hear your PTO engage and then stop right away, as it is designed for the fuse to fail first if it cannot turn the clutch.
What would cause PTO clutch not to engage?
Two common reasons that a PTO won't engage are installation issues and owner misuse. Addressing these possibilities first might be the only thing needed. Additional problems could arise if the switch is showing no continuity. Check for continuity using a multimeter.
Why won't my PTO engage on my Cub Cadet?
If the PTO clutch is not getting power, if the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out, the lawn mower blades will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it. The PTO switch provides power to the PTO clutch.
How do I know if my tractor clutch is bad?
Signs of a Bad Clutch in Farm EquipmentA Sticky Clutch. A clutch that refuses to come back with your foot is a sure sign of the slow road to failure. ... A Hard Clutch. ... High Engine Revs When the Clutch Is Engaged. ... Strange Noises During Clutch Use. ... Not Enough (or Too Much) Pedal Give.
How do I know if my PTO switch is bad?
1:125:59How to test electric pto switches for mowers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow. This is normally open. It's not normally open now it is open so now we're gonna check theMoreNow. This is normally open. It's not normally open now it is open so now we're gonna check the middle.
Should a mower clutch spin freely?
No, lawnmower blades normally should not spin freely as they are connected directly or indirectly via belts or other means to the engine. Only when the lawnmower has a clutch, the blades may run freely. If they don't, it means that there is a fault in the transmission.
Can you repair a PTO clutch?
This operation is crucial to the overall functioning of riding mowers, and thus PTO clutch repair may need to be immediately performed on riding mower models that have a failed clutch. Fortunately, you can fix your clutch irrespective of your experience with PTO clutch installation.
What would cause mower blades to not engage?
Belt-the number one cause for your blades not to engage is that your belt is either stretched or loose causing it to slip or fall off completely. Belt could have snapped also.
Why is my mower blades not engaging?
If the battery has a weak charge or is dead, it won't power the blades. So, if the blades refuse to engage after powering it on, ensure that you check the battery. You must fully charge the lawn mower battery, and if it's faulty, you should replace it with a new one.
How do I adjust my PTO clutch?
1:205:44How to Adjust a PTO Clutch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNormally there's going to be three of them located. All the way around. The PTO clutch itself and toMoreNormally there's going to be three of them located. All the way around. The PTO clutch itself and to make the actual adjustment all you're gonna do is tighten. Or loosen the nut.
Can you repair a PTO clutch?
This operation is crucial to the overall functioning of riding mowers, and thus PTO clutch repair may need to be immediately performed on riding mower models that have a failed clutch. Fortunately, you can fix your clutch irrespective of your experience with PTO clutch installation.
Should a mower clutch spin freely?
No, lawnmower blades normally should not spin freely as they are connected directly or indirectly via belts or other means to the engine. Only when the lawnmower has a clutch, the blades may run freely. If they don't, it means that there is a fault in the transmission.
How do you test a PTO switch?
1:275:59How to test electric pto switches for mowers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we have contact same thing on this one if we go from the bottom we're gonna check the top whichMoreNow we have contact same thing on this one if we go from the bottom we're gonna check the top which was normally closed. Now. This is normally open.
What causes a PTO clutch to overheat?
PTO clutches generally overheat because of improper lubrication/greasing (both too much and too little can cause problems), excessive sideload, or a new installation. Operators are advised to reduce sideload and inspect grease levels first.
How to check if PTO clutch is working properly?
A tractor owner can initiate a few tests to see if his PTO clutch functions properly, engaging and disengaging at the proper time. Lift the utility vehicle up with a floor jack. Place two jack stands under the front frame and two jack stands under the rear frame, so the wheels sit above the pavement. Provide enough clearance to look ...
What is a PTO clutch?
The power takeoff clutch, or PTO, on a small engine uses electricity to engage a clutch to the main engine crankshaft. PTO clutches transfer rotational torque and power, typically used on small tractors to activate mower blades or tillers.
What does the clutch do on a lawn mower?
The clutch will spin the mower blades, and you do not want your head or hair anywhere near the underside of the mower deck. Observe from a distance, or summon the help of an assistant to turn your key and clutch engagement lever on, while you watch clutch operation.
What is a PTO Clutch?
A PTO clutch, also known as power take-off (PTO) or transfer case, is an automotive component that transfers engine power to another vehicle component. This can be done via mechanical means such as gears and shafts or hydraulically using fluid couplings.
Common Symptoms of Bad PTO Clutch
A few symptoms can indicate that your PTO clutch is failing. Some of the more common symptoms of bad PTO clutch include:
How to Solve Bad PTO Clutch Symptoms?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, there’s a good chance that your PTO clutch needs repair or replacement.
How to Install a New PTO Clutch
The installation process is relatively simple if you’ve determined that you need a new PTO clutch. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have an adequate understanding of how PTO clutches work, there’s a good chance that you can fix the unit yourself.
Where is the bell housing on a Cub Cadet?
Find the small bell housing on the underside of the Cub Cadet's Briggs & Stratton engine. This housing is for the PTO clutch. Clean the PTO clutch with a wire brush in order to get rid of any debris, then wipe the clutch with a cloth.
Who makes Cub Cadet mowers?
Your lawn may grow out of control without a working PTO. The Cub Cadet series of riding lawn mowers are manufactured by MTD, the same company behind the Yard Man, Yard Machine, Troy-Bilt and Husky brand names.

What Causes The Problem?
- If you own a Cub Cadet mower and the PTO is not engaging, it most commonly occurs due to either the clutch not getting enough power, a worn-out clutch, or the clutch solenoid being defective. Similar PTO malfunctioning or complete failure issues can also arise due to improper installation or user misuse. In any circumstances, as soon you notice tha...
4 Steps to Troubleshoot A Cub Cadet PTO Will Not Engage
- Imagine you are about to start mowing or middle of mowing your lawn on a perfect sunny day. Suddenly, you notice that your Cub Cadet stopped working. When you investigate further, you noticed that the PTO won’t engage even after several tries, and you have no idea what went wrong cause last time, it worked perfectly. Isn’t it one of the most frustrating and discouraging moment…
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes a cub cadet PTO to not engage? Your Cub Cadet PTO might fail to engage due to two typical reasons. One of the reasons can be incorrect installation or adjustments, and another one is aggressive use or owner’s misuse. It can also occur due to a lack of continuity or no continuity issue of the PTO switch. So before confirming, investigate thoroughly. Where is the P…
Final Verdict
- Cub Cadet lawn mower or tractor users often complain that their Cub Cadet’s PTO will not engage even after several tries, and if the PTO engages, it won’t last for long. This is not a rare or particular issue that only occurs while using Cub Cadet mowers and can arise with any other brand’s mower or lawn tractor. But there’s an easy-to-do technique to get rid of this problem, an…