Rattling PTO Lever

[Kissinger_520H 3]

Greetings! 
 

When I bought my 520H several years ago, the PO had a bungee cord hooked on the PTO lever and pulling to the left rear fender. I asked him what that was about and he said it kept the rattling PTO quiet(er). 
 

I removed the bungee at some point and with my hearing protection on I don’t really notice it. That said, I’ve been going through the tractor fixing minor issues and thought I’d see if there’s a decent fix for this issue? 
 

I’d assume there’s a bushing of some sort down inside but I haven’t torn into it. Any tips would be great. 
 

Thanks! 
 

Chris

[clueless 3,012]

Behind you dash there is a spring that keeps it tight, sometimes they become disconnected, that might be the problem.

[Kissinger_520H 3]

Okay now I realize that I misspoke. I’m actually talking about the transmission engagement clutch. I think that they did away with this design shortly after 1989. Will attach photo for clarity, 

[Kissinger_520H 3]

[WHX?? 49,204]

OK yes pic = 1k words around here. 

That was the early models and they have such did away with it on older models. 

It disengaged the clutch idler so the tractor could be started without powering the transmission.  When they realized the power of the Onan they figured they didn't need it. 

Used on many other older models and they rattle too. 

Wouldn't hurt anyone to pull the belt guard and see what's going on. Should be done anyway for inspection and cleaning. 

[WHX?? 49,204]

My bad ... Kiss...

[Handy Don 12,488]

15 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

That was the early models and WH removed it on newer models. 

I’m running a 520-H chassis without the release and as long as your battery and engine are in good shape, there is no need to disengage the transmission. I’m convinced it is a hold-over from lower HP tractors and the Eaton 700 transmission.

The most common causes of rattle there are a drive belt that is nearing end-of-life, worn our bearings in the idler/tensioner pulley, and the cross-tractor shaft that supports the idler/tensioner pully wearing (itself and the holes in the frame it rides in).

Bottom line is that it can be eliminated by swapping out the idler tensioner arm and its pulley for a newer one (the pulley is larger and the spring attaches differently).

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Handy Don

[WHX?? 49,204]

7 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

 it is a hold-over from lower HP tractors 

 

Might be true ther Don.

8 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

 

The most common causes of rattle there are a drive belt that is nearing end-of-life, worn our bearings in the idler/tensioner pulley, and the cross-tractor shaft that supports the idler/tensioner pully wearing (itself and the holes in the frame it rides in).

Thought  I covered that in pulling the belt guard for inspection...... thanks for elaborating tho. 

[peter lena 8,780]

@Kissinger_520H agree with the belt inspection layout , a regular problem is the idler pulley , if its not smooth /  or noisy in any way , replace it , another thing , there are a number of related bushings  , that are probably dry / rusty , get some aerosol penetrating oil in those for easier / quieter movement . especially on the belt tension spring pull point , pete 

[Kissinger_520H 3]

Okay so it sounds like I need to get in there and see what's going on, condition of the idler pulley and the main drive belt etc. I've replaced all of the belts on this tractor with the exception of the drive belt as it just seems to keep going strong. That said, last time I was looking at it, I noticed that it's showing some wear. I think I'll dig into it and evaluate the components. 

 

Anyone happen to know the size of the main drive belt by chance? 

[Handy Don 12,488]

11 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Thought  I covered that in pulling the belt guard for inspection...... thanks for elaborating tho. 

Sorry for gilding the lily, there. Sometimes I get carried away.