Electric clutch on pto shaft.

[asemaster]

As we all know the cub has a poor pto drive set up! Now the question is has anyone ever tried to install an electric clutch to the pto shaft to drive a mower either sickle or belly? I currently have both but don’t use them as to the problem of taking off on an incline and be so under powered . I will be trying to do this but thought I would ask first and save some headache, not to completely copy or the fact someone can say it can’t be done. Thanks for any and all replies. ASEMASTER

[Bob McCarty]

I don't recall anyone trying that. I think the fact that the PTO turns ccw at engine rpm's would complicate the matter.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I won't argue but that it could have used some design improvements, but considering the age and number of hours most of them have run, I am not so sure it would be called a poor design.

[Rick Spivey]

If yours gives you a lot of trouble on inclines, I suggest a full tune-up including valve adjustment. While not blessed with lots of power, the cubs have enough torque to handle most yard chores.

[asemaster]

Bob I don’t think it makes a difference. John poor choice of words , and you can’t make the system any more simple! Where I live in Vermont, an auxiliary clutch would be helpful. Rick asemaster mechanic she runs very well I mow 5acres a week or more all on hills . I thought a another clutch on the pto would be easier on the drive system .

[jsfarmall]

I don't see what would be a problem if you could make that work. Could be a great improvement! Could have the engine wound up, moving, then be able to engage the mower.

[punchofdeath]

I find the concept very interesting. Would you just use a regular electric PTO off of a lawn mower? I don't know exactly how those work nor how you would incorporate it into the PTO drive train.

I'm interested to hear what your idea is on how to implement it.

~CG

[Frozenstate]

I would like one with a switch on the clutch to disengage with the clutch and an adjustable timed delay to engage when the clutch is let out. No more of the tractor surging ahead from inertia from the mower and the engine could come to speed after clutch engagement then the mower could kick in. I know, way to advanced for the cub, but it would be cool

[seahaul]

Not sure how it could be done on a Cub, but the LoBoy 184 does have an electrical clutch for the pto that works very well.
Charlie

[Rick Prentice]

Just remember wherever you locate an electric clutch setup, it'll involve some sort of probably major adjustments to alignment of belts. I used to have thoughts of replacing the front crank pulley with a double groove pulley from a power unit and mounting the electric clutch setup underneath, but that would only work for unique projects. Adding it off the rear pto shaft would throw off belt alignments. No simple solutions I can see but it does keep the creative mind going. There's an addiction when you start thinking about new ideas.

Rick

[BIGHOSS]

I wonder if you could use a creeper gear housing on the LH axle with an electric clutch inside. This would let you stop the tractor but not stop the pto, similar to how a WD Allis works with it's hand clutch. Wouldn't this give you a live pto?