lack of clutch release

I am working on mf135 which has clutch release problems. It is a 2 stage clutch. I have adjusted the clutch pedal to have 3/4 free play. The gears do not release for shifting when the pedal is down. I can slide the 2 speed into neutral than it will release. Any ideas?

Two possibilities here: first, the pilot bearing in the flywheel could be locked up and driving on the stub of the input shaft. Not very common, but I have seen it before.

Second and more likely, is that the clutch plate has rusted itself to the flywheel or the pressure plate. This usually happens if a tractor sits for any somewhat lengthy period of time. If it hasnt been that long, it may be able to be freed up by putting the tractor in HIGH GEAR (this gives the most leverage at the tires) and rocking the tractor with the engine off. Make sure the clutch pedal is wired or bungee strapped down, and if the plate is lightly stuck it may break free.

Sadly theres not a great way to tell which problem it is without splitting the tractor.

Hope this helps
Richard

Hi,
Yes the plate could be stuck.
An appropriate cousre of action would be to remove the plate from under the clutch housing and have an assistant press the pedal whilst you observe the operation without the engine running.
A strong possibility will be that the lining on one side of the plate has broken and become sandwiched between the plate and flywheel or pressure plate. Using a flashlight inspect the release fingers. Look for any uneven height against the release bearing face. This would indicate this problem.
Are you only pushing the pedal down to the second stage? If so it might be a case that there is insufficient clearance on the PTO adjusters to allow the main plate to free. Check and adjust the PTO plate adjuster clearances if necessary to approximately 090". The figure does not have to be exact but they must all be the same.
If you observe satisfactory all-round withdrawal movement of the main pressure plate then it may be a case that it is stuck.
If so, drive in top gear at around 1/3 speed, hold the clutch pedal down and stab the brake pedal violently but very briefly. This can work but be warned that you also run the risk of breaking the clutch plate.
Let us know what you find.
DavidP, South Wales

Thanks I will try it as soon as I get over this flu.

If the tractor has multi-power, sometimes it will be hard to shift in high multi-power, if you put it in low multi-power it takes the pressure off the gear shift. HTH's