Tractor Repair: MF Independant PTO, pto shaft, clutch pedal

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a MF165 at auction. To check the PTO I shifted the lever to engage and the shaft started turning. After I hooked up a rotary mower and try to engage the PTO it doesn't turn. I think it is the "Independant type PTO" but am not sure. I tried partial and complete clutch engagements but nothing happened. Can this be related to the remote hydraulics valve settings? How can I check to see if it is a clutch problem

ANSWER: Hi Tony.
This must be down to the remote hyd lever, if it has one.
The manual or drivers hand book will confirm the model that you have. but as this is the 165 not the 65 i would have thought it would be independent pto.
To test --with the engine running and the pto lever engaged the pto shaft should keep turn!
---with the engine running and the pto lever dis engaged the
pto shaft should stop!
You will know of course that its the lower part of the clutch pedal movement that controls the pto engagement!
Martin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. When I engage the PTO (lever to rear the shaft turns with no implement on it. When I hook up a rotary mower it only turns when I lift the mower. When I let it down to cut it stops turning. Do you think the clutch is slipping? Or could it need adjustment or hydraulics on/set? How can I check the clutch? Is it complicated to replace the clutch?


Answer
Hi
Sounds as if it may be the internal dog is possibly jumping out of engagement when the implement is lifted or lowered .

With the engine OFF grab the end of the PTO shaft from the rear and push and pull the shaft in and out is there any excessive movement ---anything more than a few thous,s could indicate some internal ware causing this unusual problem.
If it engages when you push or disengages then it could be the problem and only internal examination will solve it.
As to the possible clutch slip i think this would show in a different way .
ASSUMING YOU HAVE A ROTARY MOWER!
With the engine OFF the pto engaged the hydraulics DOWN --try  turning the mower blades by hand from underneath ,
SO IF YOU CAN TURN THE BLADES BY HAND THEN THE CLUTCH MUST BE SLIPPING .
The tractor has 2 clutches back to back --the rear end must be split open  just behind rear of the engine/bell house to get at the clutch quite a big job get a manual before starting.
Martin