Whats going on here?

[mkevinr63 4]

I have an 85, 310-8. This weekend while cutting the grass the lever that engages the power to the blades kept popping out of the on position. Any ideas on what is going on and how to remedy it? I did notice the belt was a little loose and starting to show signs of wear. The mule tension is adjusted about as tight as it can be and I realize I need a belt replacemant but any other ideas would be welcomed. :omg:

[Duff 206]

Hi, Kevin,

A couple of things could be going on, none of which, I'm fairly sure, is too serious.

Try adjusting the tension on the arm that connects from the control lever to the PTO hoop. I'm guessing it may have worn/worked its way loose over time as the friction material on the clutch surface has worn. To increase the pressure, unhitch the trunnion from the upper triangular metal plate that the PTO hoop hooks into. Turn it in (clockwise looking from engine end) about two turns then reattach it and try mowing for a while. If it still pops out, try one more turn. If that doesn't work, the problem is likely elsewhere.

The spring that holds the PTO activator in the "engaged" position could have lost some of its tension with age. It would be best to replace the spring if the tension adjustment I described above doesn't work.

And there is the possibility with age the bushings that hold the activator in place have worn allowing it to flop around in the dash tower more than it should so it doesn't hold steady in the engaged position. These are a bit more complicated to change but are not expensive.

The tension on the mower drive belt shouldn't affect the PTO staying engaged, but I'm rapidly learning in the world of small tractors never say never!

Anyway - try adjusting the trunnion on the rod first and see if that helps. I'll be watching for a reply. Others may also have some good tips.

Duff :omg:

[Lane Ranger 11,395]

I had a funny thing happen this weekend mowing my lawn with the B-80.

I was mowing along and noticed that the mower sound died down even though the PTO was engaged and the mower drive belt was turning on the mule drive up front.

I turned off the PTO.

I drove over to the concrete driveway and turned off the engine.

I recalled that I saw a nut on the garage floor the day before. I went to find the nut and realized that the nut must have been the one on the top triangle shaped metal plate holding the PTO frame on the tractor. I looked under the bolt and sure enought the nut was gone.

Just that tension from tightening that bolt and nut was enough top throw that PTO off its normal function.

I probably did not tighten that bolt when I put the mower deck on two weeks ago and the nut just happended to come loose in my garage.

I have a much better appreciation for the quality of that PTO now and a better understanding that I need to start checking my work twice!

:omg:

[Audioshot 2]

I had mine do this also and I found that the c-clip on the "shaft-stub" popped out of the groove. This loosened the whole PTO engage assembly. I ordered a new shaft ($15) and c-clips. Problem solved.