How to Adjust a Tractor Clutch

Craftsman lawn tractors feature an electronic clutch that includes a brake to stop the pulley after a set time. This internal brake can wear out with use. Symptoms of clutch wear include the mower blades not engaging or stopping when you want them to do so. You can make adjustments to the tractor clutch to compensate for this wear. Adjusting the clutch can be accomplished by identifying the relevant parts and making changes to some of them.

      1. Turn the mower off by placing the ignition switch into the "Off" position. Make sure the attachment clutch is also in the "Off" position.

      2. Identify the clutch plate, slots, brake plate and nylon lock nuts. The clutch plate presses up against the rotor, and the rotor, clutch plate and brake plate are tied in with nylon locknuts.

      3. Adjust the three nylon locknuts so that the space between the clutch plate and rotor is .012 inches at the three slot locations in the side of the brake plate.

      4. Run the tractor at full throttle and engage and disengage the clutch a few times before testing to see whether your adjustment has alleviated the wear symptoms. Re-measure and tighten the nylon lock nuts, if necessary.