Pto clutch issues 101. Most common issues I see. Plus removal tips and tricks.

In this video I describe the most common issues I see that cause the PTO clutch failure and blades not to come on.
I see many customers waste time and money replacing the PTO switch. While some times that might be the issue it very rare that is the issue.
I also show some tips and techniques I use to remove the clutch from the crankshaft. They can often be difficult to remove.

(Warner is not a sponsor and no commission will be earned with the link but it will save you money!)

They sell the very same Warner brand clutchs that many brands like John Deere, Toro, and Gravley use on their commercial mowers.

Electrical issues:
If you are having an electrical issue or the blades are shutting off while cutting you need to first check that the battery and charging system is good. Click here for a video I made explaining how to check your battery and charging system.

Once you have confirmed the battery is fully charged and your charging system is working properly. You can check the following parts and these can cause the blades to shut off during use or not come on at all.

In order from most common to least common, here are the parts I check next:

Damaged Wiring harness - Check continuity
Ignition switch
Seat Safety Switch
PTO switch
Relay
Control Module

Keep in mind all these electrical parts can start working intermittently before finally failing for good.

[Mechanical_Mind]

I'll get a commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to help the channel and get the items you need.

[rockybrenner]

So enjoyable to listen to a trained person, who does not think they are also a Nice Job

[cmcvay]

Great information-Thank You! Have had PTO bearings replaced once two years ago, now having the same issue and considered having service again at $200. However, you shared the Warner Direct info, I decided I would replace with new at $200, saving $300 if purchased from local supply house.
New Subscriber

[scruffy]

Thanks for the tutorial and tip on where to purchase. JD 717a Z mower (2005) Pulley wear out. PTO Clutch is where to go to purchase. Saved me a ton of money.

[ctsandb]

This was very helpful and kept me from making some wrong, costly, and time consuming mistakes. Thank you!!

[richardsmith-qyvl]

You really know your mowers I enjoy watching videos with people that really know what they are doing. Thank you for your time.

[JoeCraigs]

Absolute genius. You mentioned in passing that the charging system could cause the PTO clutch not to engage, but still let the engine operate, and that was it! Thank you. You saved me untold hours of trying to debug the problem. BTW... I have a Husqvarna riding mower with a dead battery that I jumped to get it started. As you said, it was enough voltage to keep the engine running, but not enough to engage the clutch.

[ctmasonry]

Unnecessarily changed the pto switch. It was my battery the problem. You just saved me a clutch replacement.
Thank you.

[gregn]

Thanks for the link to Warner PTO! I paid $125.
A new from Cub Cadet $400

[frankcarney]

Thank you very much for the video explanation of how to fix clutch problems with my lawn tractor. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly. Thanks again

[harpintn]

Thank you very much for the information. I have a Ztrack 335E and the blades just quit working right in the middle of me mowing last night. I foolishly wasted 440 on a PTO switch. I am going to try to pull the clutch and see check things out. I will also test the charging system, as that seems to match what you were talking about as a possible cause.

[haint]

Thanks for the info. 96 Simplicity with an older battery. Troubleshot the system and didn't know about current draw of PTO. Recharged battery and all's good. I have more work to do but at least I'm not throwing money at the wrong parts. Thanks again!

[manyourcoolchris]

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge.

[williammoore]

Thanks a lot. Very informative and detailed video. I will put this one in my file
For later use. Keep up the great work Thanks again.

[FactsMattersUSA]

Another quick way to remove it is to first, like you said, tighten then loosen the bolt. Then with the bolt loose start the engine while the friction releases and drops the clutch. Works every time for me.

[BobbyParker]

I'm not sure but I believe you just hit the nail on the head it's brand new battery and I've been having to jump it off and I just finished mowing my lawn and and the PT shut off and I think you're right kind of a relief but now I got to figure out why my charging system ain't working LOL

[tomaroni]

Great informative video...mine was out of adjustment and was able to properly adjust it without removing it...

[stuartcobb]

Got my GT235 PTO off with Loose/tight method you showed. Awesome video!

[kingrider]

Good quality left hand drill bit and a good easy out. I’ve never not been able to get a crank shaft bolt not to come out with that combo. I think not only does the left hand bit help loosen the bolt it also heats it up facilitating extraction

[johnellick]

Very informative. I have an old John Deere 160 mower that Im trying to fix up. This info will be helpful.