Andy G 7 #1 Posted May 19 (edited) Hey all...please excuse my ignorance as I learn my way through this beautiful piece of equipment! I just brought home a '76 C-120 8-speed in pretty good condition (stole it for 80 bucks!). Runs great, mower deck mows great, but the clutch pedal goes ALL the way down forward, and I have to float it to let the engine start. Letting the clutch out to start moving it comes almost all the way back before it engages. Previous owner says it needs a new clutch... but what's he talking about? I think about a clutch like in a car, but then I read about the drive belts and the clutch pedal spring and I wonder if it just needs a new belt and spring. If anyone can explain the clutch system on this beauty, my simple mind would GREATLY appreciate it!!! Thanks so much Andy Edited May 19 by Andy G Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,638 #2 Posted May 19 (edited) First thing, the wheel horse machine does not have a disc plate in the main drive system. The only clutch drive is in the PTO. If the clutch pedal returns up to it's upper stop then the return spring is not the problem. That leaves the main drive V-belt as something to check' Remove the cover from the engine right side. Welcome to the world of skinned knuckles.. Edited May 19 by JAinVA Pelling check Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1968Commando 163 #3 Posted May 19 On 5/17/2025 at 7:58 PM, Charles99 said: I just bought a new to me with the wheel horse c120 trying to identify exactly what it is. The plate on the side says 61 12k802-13999 underneath says 6071. the motor I identified as a Kohler 301 electric start. 14 minutes ago, Andy G said: Hey all...please excuse my ignorance as I learn my way through this beautiful piece of equipment! I just brought home a '76 C-120 8-speed in pretty good condition (stole it for 80 bucks!). Runs great, mower deck mows great, but the clutch pedal goes ALL the way down forward, and I have to float it to let the engine start. Letting the clutch out to start moving it comes almost all the way back before it engages. Previous owner says it needs a new clutch... but what's he talking about? I think about a clutch like in a car, but then I read about the drive belts and the clutch pedal spring and I wonder if it just needs a new belt and spring. If anyone can explain the clutch system on this beauty, my simple mind would GREATLY appreciate it!!! Thanks so much Andy Unclip the pedal on the tractor the clutch petal pull that clip and push it out, rotate the rod to help tighten and pull the clutch more then reclip it back in, I hope this made some sense also look up “wheel horse c120 manual” and there should be a section that informs you on how to as well, these tractor clutches work off the belts not like a clutched manual transmission 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,433 #4 Posted May 19 (edited) 7 hours ago, Andy G said: I wonder if it just needs a new belt and spring. I would start with a belt inspection. Might just need a new belt. Edited May 19 by Achto 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy G 7 #5 Posted May 19 Awesome - Thank you everyone! I’ll check all those things - thanks again! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,309 #6 Posted May 19 @Andy G rarely see a clutch set up that , is lacking MAINTENANCE , like solid rust in every movement point , an idler belt pulley that is not rough / noisy , easy to have someone , work the clutch / linkage set up , and zero in to rust city , that is also related , squealing drive belts , and sudden front wheel lifts . like a penetrating oil aerosol spray first , to verify improvement , then an aerosol RED GREASE , tube extension , for exact placement , have also added washers to firm up ,linkage / lever connections . that washer detailing , really helps function , an they hide in plane sight, done A LOT OF THAT , my linkages move without effort . pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,353 #7 Posted May 19 There should be a spring from the clutch linkage that attaches to the rear axle housing on the left side that pulls the clutch pedal up and applies pressure to the belt. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,224 #8 Posted May 20 (edited) Note: The clutch rod adjustment on the left side only affect the peddle location. The spring No. ( 1014 ) on the left side of the tractor and the belt No.( 7473 ) 5/8" x 82" does the work of the clutch. I have been using Tractor Supply blue belts after receiving a Toro belt made in Mexico, It was not up to the old Wheel Horse standard. Wheel Horse Parts and More has the 1014 spring. Don't think Toro has it they went to a different spring. Edited May 20 by Lee1977 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,309 #9 Posted May 25 @Lee1977 totally agree on the T/S ARIMID BELTS , been replacing each tractor , belt , deck / pto / mule drive , and above all , detailing function , and bearing lube upgrade , the smooth quiet engagement , and effortless pto lever / heim joint end , is ridiculous in its engagement . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
