When Releasing Clutch Pedal C120 Tractor Lunges

[barns1 57]

Hi All, Did search and couldn't find anything on this. I would really appreciate your help. When releasing clutch pedal tractor jerks your neck when it takes off. I have to release pedal super slowly to avoid it taking off hard. Installed new belt, didn't help. Could it be in the clutch adjustment? 

[JAinVA 4,621]

Later Wheel Horse models had a damper assembly to control belt engagement rate.I don't think the 120 had this as I know  my 77 never did.If there is no roughness on the pully surfaces then a new belt may need to be broken in to help.

Edited November 5, 2019 by JAinVA

[Tach-a-matic 357]

Mine was doing this too.  

 

A new OEM drive belt cured it completely.  

 

 

[barns1 57]

Thank you. I did replace the belt with a Wheel Horse OEM belt, no difference. I had same thought about the belt, sadly it didn't help. That's why I was wondering about an adjustment that may be needed.

[Pullstart 63,096]

Are the drive and driven pulleys clean and shiny?  Maybe some emory paper could smooth them out if needed...

[ebinmaine 68,370]

5 hours ago, pullstart said:

Are the drive and driven pulleys clean and shiny?  Maybe some emory paper could smooth them out if needed...

 

 

I take it this is something it hasn't always done?

 

We have several horses and they all have different "personalities".

 Some are just more jumpy than others...

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,096]

The only adjustment is the rod from the pedal back on the left side. The length can be changed to suit the operator's height/comfort.

The return spring also on the left side may be getting weak. If that happens the pedal is slow to follow the operator's foot back on engagement.

The pivot points for the cross shaft may be worn adding increased resistance to pedal action. Lube on both sides may help.

 

Garry

[953 nut 55,792]

Is the clutch moving smoothly through it's entire travel?            If the right side foot rest has been bumped inward it can catch on the clutch rod and make it hang up momentarily then pop up.

[rmaynard 15,608]

I've always had the same problem with all my manual shift models, but especially the older ones. My 701 is the worst. There is no in-between. It's either engaged or it's not. I know that the Wheel Horse engineers would have never released a model with a clutch that touchy. I guess I am missing something on an adjustment. Brand new OEM belt or old belt. Makes no difference. Replace the clutch spring with different lengths and strengths. Pulleys are clean and shiny. I hesitate to let the grandsons on it since it's so jerky.

[peter lena 8,726]

have you LUBRICATED ALL FRICTIONAL / CONTACT  POINTS ? all too often we see an attatch ment or pedal or pto lever trying to work , while its fighting rust , jmoo, pete

[Darb1964 1,055]

I keep them at low idle let the clutch out then increase your engine speed.

[SPINJIM 1,981]

My C-120 had the same problem.  I put front wheel weights on, and it really improved by holding the front down.  But I still have to release the clutch slowly.  I think that it's just typical of the design.  I've tried both WH and after-market belts.  It was a major problem with the mid-engine models, when many Rj's and Suburbans would tip over backwards, and many owners put fluid in front tires to keep the fronts down when the clutch was released.

   Jim

Edited November 5, 2019 by SPINJIM

[JCM 9,406]

My 1977 C-120 was very jerky when releasing the clutch pedal also,I replaced both the clutch return spring and installed a factory WH belt and the problem was solved.The condition of the belt did not look that bad but the clutch spring had about the same tension as a ball point pen spring.

[JCM 9,406]

If the return spring and belt did not solve the issue I was going to have @ebinmaine  fab me up some wheelie bars.

[stevasaurus 22,866]

I'm not sure this will work, but it certainly will not hurt.  Try wiping the belt with a soaked rag of mineral spirits...wipe the pulleys also.  Don't soak the belt, just dampen it.  Drive it around for a while and start and stop often.  It's got to help.  If it does, keep some mineral spirits in a spray bottle and use on the belt after starting once in a while.    Let us know if this helps at all.

   Most important...never use belt grip on these drive belts. or pulleys.

[wallfish 17,080]

This problem can sometimes be a pain. As suggested any anomalies on the pulley groove or belt like paint, rust, cracks ect. ect will cause sudden engagement. The belt needs to slip on the engine drive pulley which gives the smooth engagement like clutching. It should not be full on as soon as it touches. Investigate why it's not slipping around the engine pulley. If there are little metal rod fingers supporting the outside of the belt, they may be holding the belt too close and keeping the belt deep in the groove where it's just barely disengaging. 

[barns1 57]

Hey Guys, Thanks for all of the suggestions. I put a new OEM Wheel Horse belt on, old one looked fine but I thought I would start fresh trying to cure the problem. I need to check the pullies as I just glanced at them as I was putting the belt on, I didn't realize it would make a difference. Learn something new from you guys all the time. I will take the suggestion on the return spring also as It does seem kind of weak. I don't know if it has always done this as I bought it used for my wife, she loves our horses too. All of my other C's that I have owned haven't done this. I'm trying to get this done before it turns real cold and I have surgery next week for a third melanoma on my arm and I'll be laid up for awhile. I really appreciate all of your help and suggestions.

[ebinmaine 68,370]

5 hours ago, barns1 said:

I will take the suggestion on the return spring also as It does seem kind of weak

Cheapest place right now is rcpw. Less than $11 with freight.

 

Part number.  108035.