Umair Gaines
Testing a ferri electric Power Take-Off (PTO) clutch requires caution and proper safety steps. The PTO clutch on a small engine uses electricity to engage a clutch to the main engine crankshaft. The battery sends voltage to a magnetic armature and rotor, which engages the clutch and plate, allowing full contact. Problems arise when the clutch jams, slips excessively, or the voltage is lost. Before testing, the tractor should be lifted with a floor jack, and jack stands should be placed under the front and rear frames so that there is enough clearance to inspect the clutch drive assembly.
Characteristics and Values of Testing a Ferri Electric PTO
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Testing location | On or off the tractor |
| Tools | Voltmeter, test light, multimeter, jumper wire, floor jack, jack stands |
| Battery voltage | 12 volts |
| Battery output | 12.5 volts or above |
| Air gap setting | 0.015-.018 inches |
| Impedance | 1 Ohm or above |
| Troubleshooting | Check wiring, switches, fuses, safety mechanisms, corrosion, voltage, magnetic field strength |
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What You'll Learn
Check the battery voltage
To check the battery voltage, you will need a voltmeter. Place the positive lead of the voltmeter on the red, positive post on the battery. Now, place the negative voltmeter lead on a good engine source. If the battery output is 12.5 volts or under, the battery will need to be charged. The PTO clutch will not engage without sufficient voltage.
If the battery voltage is good, the next step is to look for the in-line fuse between the electrical wiring harness from the lever switch to the PTO clutch assembly under the deck. Remove the cap wires to the fuse and inspect the fuse filament. If the fuse appears black or the filament is blown, replace the fuse with one of the same ampere rating.
Now, start the engine and let it warm up. Activate the lever to engage the clutch. From a distance, look underneath the deck and check for mower blade operation. If you hear a squealing noise, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
If the battery voltage is sufficient and the fuse is intact, but the clutch is still not engaging, the problem may lie within the electrical circuit of the PTO clutch assembly, most likely at the rotor and armature location.
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Test the PTO clutch
Testing a PTO clutch should be done with caution, using proper safety steps. The power takeoff clutch, or PTO, on a small engine uses electricity to engage a clutch to the main engine crankshaft. PTO clutches transfer rotational torque and power, typically used on small tractors to activate mower blades or tillers.
To test the PTO clutch, first, lift the utility vehicle with a floor jack. Place two jack stands under the front frame and two jack stands under the rear frame, so the wheels sit above the pavement. Provide enough clearance to look under the mower deck and see the clutch drive assembly.
Next, check the battery output. Place the positive lead of a voltmeter on the positive post on the battery. Place the negative voltmeter lead on a good engine source. If the battery output indicates 12.5 volts or below, charge the battery. The PTO clutch will not engage without sufficient voltage.
Then, locate the in-line fuse between the electrical wiring harness from the lever switch to the PTO clutch assembly under the deck. Unscrew the cap wires to the fuse and inspect the fuse filament. If the fuse appears damaged, replace it with a new one of the same ampere rating.
Now, start the engine and let it warm up. Activate the lever to engage the clutch. From a distance, look underneath the deck and check for mower blade operation. Listen for a clicking sound, which indicates the PTO clutch is working. If you hear no click, the PTO clutch may be faulty.
Additionally, you can use a test light to further diagnose the PTO clutch. Place the probe of the test light inside the wire connector, attaching it to the red lead that leads to the PTO clutch. Activate the PTO clutch lever and observe if the bulb illuminates. If there is no illumination, it suggests an issue with the engagement switch at the lever-switch position.
If the battery voltage is adequate and the in-line fuse is intact, the problem may lie within the electrical circuit of the PTO clutch assembly, specifically at the rotor and armature location.
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Adjust the air gap
To adjust the air gap in a ferri electric PTO, follow these steps:
First, locate the space between the two working parts of the PTO. You should see three slots on the side. Next, take a .
There should be four nuts with springs attached on the front side of the PTO. Place the feeler gauge into one of the slots closest to a nut and tighten or loosen the nut to achieve the desired .010" gap. Repeat this process for each of the nuts and gaps, as adjustments to one nut may affect the others.
After making your adjustments, go back and check all the gaps again to ensure they are correct. A consistent air gap should be maintained, and any deviations may indicate an issue with the PTO.
It is important to note that the air gap between the rotor and armature may vary slightly due to dimensional variations in component parts, which is considered acceptable. However, if adjustments do not resolve a mower braking problem, it may be necessary to replace the electric PTO clutch.
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Inspect for corrosion
Inspecting for corrosion on a ferri electric PTO involves checking for any signs of wear, damage, or abnormality. Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, caused by interacting with chemicals, electrochemical reactions, friction, or environmental factors.
Firstly, conduct a visual inspection for any obvious signs of corrosion or damage. This may include visible cracks, breaks, or discontinuities in the material, such as discolouration or changes in appearance. Check the wiring and electrical connections for any signs of corrosion, ensuring all wires are securely connected. Loose connections can lead to malfunctions. Use a multimeter to test the voltage and ensure the PTO clutch receives the correct voltage when engaged.
Additionally, you can use other non-destructive testing (NDT) tools for a more comprehensive inspection. Radiographic testing uses electromagnetic radiation to examine the internal structure of materials. Guided wave testing employs acoustic waves to detect corrosion over long distances, making it ideal for pipelines. Magnetic flux leakage involves magnetizing metal and then identifying "leaks" in the magnetic field, indicating corrosion or damage.
Corrosion monitoring is essential to understanding how it progresses over time and making informed maintenance decisions. This can be achieved through visual records, such as using drones to map corrosion and compare it to future inspections. Ultrasonic thickness measurements and electrical resistance probes also help track corrosion rates and metal loss over time.
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Check the wiring
To check the wiring of a ferri electric PTO, you can start by checking the battery voltage. Place the positive lead of a voltmeter on the positive post on the battery, and the negative lead on a good engine source. If the battery output is 12.5 volts or below, charge the battery. The PTO clutch will not engage without sufficient voltage.
Next, look for the in-line fuse between the electrical wiring harness from the lever switch to the PTO clutch assembly. Remove the cap wires and inspect the fuse. If the fuse appears burnt or the filament has blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Now, start the engine and let it warm up. Engage the lever to activate the PTO clutch. From a safe distance, observe the mower deck to see if the blades are operating. If you hear any unusual noises, such as squealing, immediately shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
Additionally, you can use a test light to check the wiring. Attach the probe of the test light to the red wire leading to the PTO clutch. Activate the clutch lever and observe if the bulb illuminates. If it does not light up, the engagement switch may have failed.
If the battery voltage is adequate and the in-line fuse is intact, the issue could be with the lever switch. In this case, you may need to use a jumper wire to connect directly from the positive post on the battery to the red power lead inside the PTO wire jack. Ensure that the battery cables are securely connected. Listen for the click of engagement. If there is no response, the problem may lie within the electrical circuit of the PTO clutch assembly, possibly at the rotor and armature.
It is important to consult the maintenance manual for specific instructions and diagrams related to your particular model of ferri electric PTO.
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