Engaging PTO?

[Greydog]

What is the proper sequence to follow to engage the PTO without grinding the gears? I inherited this old L345 4WD and can't figure out this simple operation. Is there a separate clutch pedal or handle for this?

 

[Bulldog]

Do you have the clutch pushed in when you try to engage it?

 

[Greydog]

Yes I have the clutch in! Do I need to be in Neutral? Do I need to wait a certain amount of time? Is there a separate clutch for engaging the PTO? It seem that whatever I try I am grinding gears. I just had to replace a broken shift fork- the longer one on the right as you look into the gearbox- did engaging the PTO weaken it and cause it to break?

 

[Bulldog]

Maybe the former owner had a bad habit when it came to engaging the pto and didn't even realize it.

 

[avi8tor]

If it has a 2 stage clutch - your clutch may need to be adjusted.

 

[Fastwestie]

Hi
It is a 2 stage clutch and you have to push it right down to engage the pto. You don't need to be in neutral. Make sure you don't have the clutch stop down which is designed to stop you disengaging the PTO when you change gear.

If that fails then gheck the clutch free play 25mm to 35mm at the pedal

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Sounds like its time for the clutch to be replaced all together. My L275 had the same problem for a while til we had a new clutch put in. Only other option which is not real safe is have the tractor off engage the PTO and fire it all up. Its kinda dangerous if you have a bushhog on the back and its sitting on the ground.

 

[Cavalry]

My 345 does the same thing. The pto side of the clutch is locked. I pull the fuel lever and get the RPM's down low while pulling into PTO gear then release the fuel lever. If you do it right you dont grind. Still sucks brushhogging not being able to clutch fast but I dont have the time to have the machine down right now to replace the clutch.