How Does A Electric PTO Clutch Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Driven by electricity provided by the 's 12-volt battery, the PTO clutch

engages when its solenoid receives an electric spark

. The PTO pulley is attached to the clutch and guides the belt that connects to the engine crankshaft pulley and rotates the blades of the mower that are located under the mower's deck.

How do I know if my electric PTO clutch is bad?

“Normally” when a clutch is going bad it

will start to show when you engage the PTO

. A common symptom would be for the clutch to be slow to engage if it's been running for a while and is hot. Once engaged they usually stay engaged until you shut them off.

What is an electric PTO clutch?

An electric clutch, commonly called a power takeoff clutch (PTO), is the

part of a lawnmower or riding tractor responsible for engaging the blade

. … This type of clutch prevents the mower from moving after the driver disengages the mower clutch. An electric clutch is technically an electromagnetic apparatus.

What does PTO clutch stand for?


Power take-off

(PTO) clutches provide a mechanical disconnect between the power created by gas and diesel engines or electric motors to another piece of equipment. The PTO clutches enable the transmission of that energy to auxiliary equipment that does not generate its own power.

What is an electric PTO on a riding lawn mower?

The PTO is

a switch or lever

found on tractors and and stands for Power Take Off. This can be an electric switch or mechanical engagement that takes engine power to operate the mower deck or an implement. The PTO can run mowers by either a belt or a shaft.

How do you test an electric PTO clutch?


Pull off the main power wire

that goes to the PTO clutch assembly. This is located on the clutch side. Turn the wire jack toward you, but pull yourself back away from the deck as far as possible. With the battery connected and engine turned off, place the negative alligator lead of a test light to a ground source.

What does a PTO overrunning clutch do?

An overrunning PTO clutch is a

device that allows a tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft to be driven in one direction, but to spin freely (freewheel) in the other direction

. … The frewheel action of the overrunning clutch prevent equipment from “driving” the tractor through its PTO shaft.

Should my PTO clutch spin freely?

Should my PTO clutch spin freely? Yes,

the clutch pulley should turn freely when not engaged

. It may have an electrical issue as well as bearing issue causing it to stall with no load and vibrate under a load.

How do PTO clutches work?

The PTO clutch is

mounted under the tractor or mower beside

the power drive shaft, which is also vertically aligned. It is connected to the blade shaft, and when it spins, the blade spins too. … When the engine is on, the shaft spins at a very high rate but the blade does not.

How does a PTO engage?

The PTO is engaged

and disengaged using the main transmission clutch

and a remote control mechanism which operates on the PTO itself. Typically, an air valve is used to engage the PTO, but a mechanical linkage, electric or hydraulic mechanism are also options.

Is electric PTO better than manual?

An electric PTO clutch system provides

longer belt life

, better belt reliability (belt always tight), zero slippage, and easier operation. Thus why it is a premium feature.

Do riding lawn mowers have a clutch?

Things You'll Need

Power takeoff (PTO) clutches

are found on riding

. These clutches exist on the bottom of the mower's engine assembly and control the flow of power to the mower's cutting blades.

Why does the PTO not engage?

If the PTO clutch is not getting power, if

the clutch solenoid is defective

, or if the clutch is worn out, the lawn mower blades will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it. The PTO switch provides power to the PTO clutch. … If the PTO switch is defective, replace it.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.