JD 430 Clutch Kills Engine

I bought a 430 last summer and after mowing with it a couple times, the electric clutch has started locking or binding up and killing the engine. Usually happens on about the 2nd or 3rd round when opening up the yard - doesn't do it in heavy material under heavy load but usually lighter material. The blades quit turning but the clutch is still engaged, thus putting a heavy load on the engine. If you don't get the PTO shut down in time it will draw the engine down until it dies - you can start it right back up no problem. After restarting, sometimes you can engage the PTO again right away, other times you have to let it sit for a second then it will engage again. Has become a more frequent occurrence each time I mow but still haven't noticed a pattern except it doesn't do it when under heavy load as would be expected, it seems to be random.

I plan to check/adjust the air gap on the clutch before purchasing a new one - Just wanted to see if anyone else had run across anything like this before. Thought maybe it could just be a weak hold relay or something simple like that but don't really see any relays in the PTO circuit in the wiring schematic.

If the clutch is still engaged it isn't a clutch problem, I'd look at the deck and see that it's not binding. Think about it the clutch stays engaged and bogs the engine down, if the clutch were opening up or slipping the engine wouldn't be bogging down would it?

Remamber...some of these electric clutches have brake plates. Either something is broken or way out of adjustment. You said you were going to check the gap. Start there. With the engine off. Unhook the belt. See if you can activate the clutch. Try to turn the pulley on the clutch. It should be locked and only turn with the engine as you turn it. Turn the clutch off. You should be able to hand turn the engine and the clutch pulley should be hitting that brake plate and be very hard to turn. Shounds a little goofy but that is how they work.

I'm thinking you probably have a bearing seizing. take the belt off, spin the spindles and idler pulleys. If they rattle or rumble the bearings are dry. also check for sideways play and up/down play in the spindles.

First things first.
When the blades stop, carefully feel the idlers and spindles.
Then feel the clutch itself. There is a bearing in it.
I will bet you a dollar to a donut one or more of them is hot.

If that doesn't get you an answer:
Check that your belt is routed properly.
Check that your mule drive is not damaged.
WFMfiles website should have the illustration.
Then take the belt off and recheck the idlers and spindles.

First off, thank you for your experiences.

It did this the first time I tried to mow with it after I got it home, but it stayed consistent...any time I turned on the PTO switch, it killed the engine. Tore it down and the needle bearing in the front axle for the PTO was trash. Replaced both of those, as well as the shaft and drive belts, and all the spindle bearings in the deck at that time. I'll have to look for sure but I know that was less than 100 hrs ago and probably not even 50 hrs. Did not do anything with the clutch at that time.

Sounds like I just need to make the time to sit down and go through it again to see what's going on.