john deere A

Inside the pulley are two clutch disks not called pads at all. They are probably OK unless obviously split. Even if they are burnt looking, smelly, and glazed over, they are probably good to go unless they are split. A lot of elbow grease and a good large file can make them look and work slightly better but it won't be long until they look just the same as they are now so why bother?

One reason hand clutches are hard to engage and disengage is that they are not adjusted properly, which is something you'll have to learn to do right when going back together, new clutch disks or not. Most important in this aspect is to get all three bolts to apply the same amount of 'tug' on the clutch pack at the same time. Once this is done then one can adjust for more or less 'pop in' pressure by turning all three nuts 1/2 turn at a time and clutch adjustment is then done by counting the turns on each nut and keeping them at always the same count. Perhaps all that needed doing in the first place was to back off the three nuts a turn or two each? It's a common mistake for new JD owners to do also, don't feel bad about it all. I've done it myself.

mitch