Hand Clutch (Live PTO) on '54 WD45

When I got into the heavy grass (about 18" tall, maybe a little taller) the blades would slow down and the engine seemed labored. It would cut some of the grass and leave some swirled but not cut. I tried to figure out the hand clutch with no success.

With my foot off the foot clutch, I pulled back on the hand clutch (pulled toward me) and the blades still slowed down and engine labored. On the next pass through the heavy grass, I pushed in on the foot clutch and pulled the hand clutch toward me. The blades completely stopped and the tractor came to a complete stop. When I eased out on the foot clutch it was really hard to get the tractor moving again. I've read the owner's manual (purchased from this site) and read as many postings on the archives as I can find.

What is the combination of foot clutch/hand clutch necessary to make the "live PTO" take over and really cut the heavy grass the way it's supposed to? Does it sound like the hand clutch is even working? The blades are sharp and the cut is really nice in all the areas except the heavy grass.

The hand clutch seems to have some resistance about 2/3 of the way as I pull toward me and then seems to snap as it's pulled all the way, and when pushing it back (away from me) there is an audible snap.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

vic

You need to just get the hand of bush hogging.
WD is 35 HP I have used one to brush hog , have not found too much I can not cut with in reason. Do not have to make a full cut. You cutting with a 45 HP. Make sure your blades are sharpened. Run tractor at about 3/4 of max., may run it faster if it is for just a little while, if not go to a lower gear. I cut allot of fields in 3rd gear. Using a 5 ft. woods with the side open.

Good Luck !!

Punchie

First off pushing the hand clutch away from you is similar to stepping on the foot clutch in that it releases the power from the tranny. Pulling the hand clutch towards you is like letting up on the foot clutch in that it puts power to the tranny. With both clutchs pushed away from you (foot down, hand away) you engage the brushhog by pulling the PTO knob towards you. With your right foot also on the brakes put the tranny in gear (I use 2nd for most hog work, 1st if its really thick). Letting up slowly on the foot clutch should spin up the hog while the tractor stays put. Slowly release the brakes and gently pull the hand clutch towards you to put power to the tranny.

Careful note here. In 1st gear if you pull the clutch back too fast you can pop a wheely real easy. Also when the tractor first moves forward if your hand isn't braced against the right fender you can inadvertently yank the hand clutch towards you and also pop a wheely. In 2nd gear the hand clutch works much smoother. I've been told you can slip it as much as you want since its a wet clutch so 2nd is the gear for me.

Also note: With the hand clutch pushed away from you and foot off the engine clutch, the tractor should come to a stop especially when you hit the brakes while still allowing the PTO to power the hog. If it doesn't, your hand clutch is stuck and isn't releasing the power to the tranny like it should.

Good luck!