M crawler clutches

[Hayfarmer]

MC posted on Facebook here, has angle blade and from pictures looks ok. Guy now tells me that RH track doesn't stop with lever, he thinks it is steering clutch problem. I have done a lot of mechanic work on JD but not on crawler so I am wondering if that is a big job to RR steering clutches. Also parts availability. My intent with tractor is not a major excavation but more just to play with it, always wanted one for that. Maybe plow snow in winter.

 

[Jim.ME]

I wouldn't call it a big job compared to a lot of projects. Find Possum Farms videos of his crawler rebuild, he rebuilt a MC, including steering clutches. His videos will give you an idea of doing them. Lavoy Wilcox at jdcrawlers.com specializes in those old JD crawlers and sells parts.

 

[CPeter]

As an owner of JD40C & JD420C machines for over 50 years, do not be afraid to go into this. It may be nothing more that a seized steering clutch or out of adjustment. GET the manual and check the adjustments. If it is seized. Parts are available from several sources. The adjustment must be done in order for it to work right. They should steer without heavy pressure of the steering levers. My 40C seized up one side and as I was getting ready to tear into it, I found that the throwout bearing was out of adjustment. One thing I did do was make a pair of wedges with a handle on each one that I can out under the steering levers to take the pressure off the clutch and prevent it seizing. I did this because I don't use is for moths at a time.
Peter

 

[Hayfarmer]

I have the 420, 430 service book from JD that covers steering clutch adjustment on 430 crawler as well as R&R for them. Is that similar or the same as the MC service book?

 

[CPeter]

Yes it does. The only difference between the early machines and the later are the number of plates in the clutch. The later models have one more of each plate, drive and driven. In fact they are interchangeable up to a point and if the fibers are worn and you need to make up an amount in the clutch pack, you can put in an extra steel or fiber as works out. Been there and had zero issues with it. It is handy to have the tool to adjust the clutch finer height. I have a wooden one I made 50 years ago and it still works. I copied mine from a friendly JD dealer. Remember, this is not a high speed racing machine!!
Peter

 

[R Geiger]

Fairly easy once you get the tracks off. I have done it several times over the past 50 years. Got to remember the lever first releases the clutch and then as you pull it further back, it engages the brake band. You may just have an adjustment problem.

 

[Lavoy]

It's not easy necessarily, but also not rocket science. I have all the clutch parts on hand, and can walk you through the procedure if you get stumped. I would not let it stop me from buying it if you are otherwise happy with the crawler.
www.jdcrawlers.com