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Digital Edition - TIMECUTTER® HD Service Manual
April 2017
ELECTRICAL
Electric PTO Clutch
The PTO clutch electronically controls the engagement and disengagement of the PTO pulley (deck belt).
The PTO clutch is composed of three major components:
-field
-clutch plate
-friction plate
The clutch plate always turns with the engine (crankshaft). The field is a coil of wire on an iron core which
becomes an electromagnet when power is applied. The friction plate is the only piece that moves vertically on the
crankshaft. It is normally spring loaded so that it is not in contact with the clutch plate and is pressed against the
brake material opposite the clutch plate. When power is applied, the friction plate is pulled toward the clutch plate
and the two rotate as one. When the clutch plate and the friction plate rotate as different speeds it is known as
clutch slipping.
Testing
If the PTO clutch is not engaging or is suspect as a cause of electrical problems, use the following electrical
troubleshooting steps. These procedures will help determine if the clutch has failed as a result of or is the cause
of an electrical problem.