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How to Install a PTO on a John Deere Lawn Tractor

The power take-off on the John Deere riding lawn tractor is the mechanical part that engages the cutting deck. If you attempt to engage the cutting deck and are greeted by no blade action and just a grinding noise, it means a new PTO clutch should be installed. Replacement PTO clutch assemblies can either be bought at a Deere retailer or ordered from the company. Installing a PTO clutch on the Deere will be easier with a helper or assistant.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Park the Deere on a flat, level surface. Engage the emergency break. Lower the mower deck to its lowest setting.

    • 2

      Move the belt tension arm forward and then remove the primary deck belt from the mower deck and PTO clutch pulleys.

    • 3

      Jack up the front end of the Deere and insert jack stands under the front frame. Lower the Deere onto the jack stands.

    • 4

      Remove the plastic wiring harness from the PTO clutch assembly by hand. Also use the screwdriver to remove the wire and clamp from the body of the clutch assembly.

    • 5

      Remove the clutch bolt with the open-end wrench that holds the PTO clutch to the crankshaft. Lower it to the ground and mount the replacement PTO clutch back in place.

    • 6

      Snap the clip and the clutch wire back onto the clutch assembly and plug the wiring harness back in.

    • 7

      Jack up the Deere some, remove the jack stands and then lower it. Also slip the deck belt back into place on its pulleys.

    • 8

      Start the tractor up and test the PTO.