Removing PTO Clutch

ThadS · Aug 19, 2021

I have a 19HP Kawasaki with a 1" diameter shaft. I cannot get the PTO clutch off. Of course the videos online show it pulling right off after removing the bolt and retainer.

I have soaked it in penetrating oil; applied heat; used an air hammer on the inner bearing sleeve, and wedged a long pry bar behind it using the weight of the mower on the handle. It will not budge. I can't figure out how to get a bearing or gear puller on it.

I am to the point of cutting it off (doesn't look like a great option). Are there any other methods that I have not thought of? All help/suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Thad

T.R.K. · Aug 19, 2021

Sometimes that is the only way.

You don't say what it is on. Sometimes that makes a difference what options you have.

If you have or can borrow a big bearing separator and can actually get it to go behind the clutch, you perhaps can put a 7/16 fine thread
bolt in where the original bolt went through and use a bar across the bolt with some all thread rods between the bearing separator and the
bar. I built a puller like this to get clutches off front deck Grasshopper mowers.

Then sometimes you just have to get out the zizz wheel and start grinding. It might be good to plan your cuts so that one side ends up on
the key in the clutch. Sometimes if the clutch has been run loose for a while, the key actually wears a pocket in the crank, off to one
side of the keyway.

Another thought is if you don't mind destroying the clutch, you could weld some nuts to the outside edge to hook your puller to.

ThadS · Aug 20, 2021

Thanks for the reply. It is on a Exmark Lazer CT. The PTO clutch was going out so I plan to replace. Destroying it is not a concern as I have already damaged the bearing.

I had not thought about welding nuts to it to secure the puller to. I will consider that more carefully this weekend.

Thad

Russ from MN · Aug 20, 2021

I did industrial maintenance for 35 years, we would probably use something like this, after welding a couple of nuts on. I have an assortment
of homemade pullers that I use now. I would drill a small indent in the head of the clutch retaining bolt head to push on, screw it in all
the way and then back it out about 3 turns only until the clutch moves. You may have to get a longer bolt to push on if it's tight all the
way off. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

ThadS · Aug 28, 2021

Cutoff wheel and air hammer got it done. A puller like the one above removed the drive pulley. Replacement parts are on order. Thanks for the help.

Removing PTO Clutch

ThadS

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T.R.K.

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ThadS

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Russ from MN

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ThadS

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