M&W "Live Pow'r" clutch operation

mkirsch · Mar 23, 2012

I test drove a Super M with the M&W clutch on it. When I pulled the lever, it went over center with a click but nothing happened. The tractor continued to move forward.

There was no load on the tractor so I suppose it could continue driving on the other wheel... Or, is it broken?

Can someone remind me how much work it is to swap the original brake drum back on?

Zachary Hoyt · Mar 23, 2012

Even with no load it should stop, I think, because the differential
would send all of the power to the axle that turns with less effort,
which should be the one that is disconnected from the wheel. It
sounds like maybe somebody bolted the hand clutch into a solid
pack when the discs wore out, or maybe it could be way out of
adjustment?
Zach

GeneMO · Mar 23, 2012

It would be quite a job to switch it back. Been a long time since I had to mess with mine, but generally the problem was it would slip and require adjustment.

I know someone is making the replacement clutch disks, but they are expensive.

It is supposed to come over center with a pretty good "snap" Wonder what would happen if you put on the brakes? The mechanism might be stuck from lack of use?

Good luck, Gene

PS. I have an original owners and installation manual for this hand clutch.

mkirsch · Mar 23, 2012

It didn't take much effort to move the lever, but it did pop from position to position.

Didn't want to latch back in the forward position, though.

When I backed the tractor back into its parking spot, the lever wasn't latched well and I could hear a clicking noise coming from the clutch.

Pushing the lever forward while backing up made the clicking stop, and it finally latched firmly.

Dougct · Mar 23, 2012

I have one on my M,It should stop the tractor.All your power goes through that clutch first,so if its wore the Super shouldn't even move.So my guess is it wasn't put in correct.My M slipped so I put in a new primary clutch,then it still slipped,when i tightened the M&W adjustment nut it would pull the front off the ground,then i realized why they say not to do heavy pulling like tractor pulls with the M&W because when its spent you shouldn't be able to move.

Janicholson · Mar 23, 2012

It might be that the disks in the clutch are stuck together. I have seen dry plate clutches do that many times. (common here on the forum)
I would pull off the cover/housing and give it a look. It is not tough. Jim

kopeck · Mar 23, 2012

(quoted from post at 05:07:44 03/23/12) I test drove a Super M with the M&W clutch on it. When I pulled the lever, it went over center with a click but nothing happened. The tractor continued to move forward.

There was no load on the tractor so I suppose it could continue driving on the other wheel... Or, is it broken?

Can someone remind me how much work it is to swap the original brake drum back on?

I would think you just have something hanging up in there.

On a regular M it's a bit of a chore to install/uninstall one but it's supposedly considerably easier on the SM (everything is done from the outside).

I've been looking for a M&W handclutch for my SM for a while. They didn't make many for the SM, probably simply because there's a lot less SMs out there then Ms.

If you did take it off there would be people interested in it. Personally I would leave it on, it's a neat piece.

K

D Slater · Mar 23, 2012

Jim already mentioned this but there's a bunch of splined teeth that have to slide a little when clutch is released. If rust or sometimes thick oil gets in there they will stick. Or if its making a noise the bearing that holds pressure on the discs may be bad especially if it wasn't greased regular. Also if not used regularly they will stick, most times using the tractor a bit with handle released and hitting the brakes will break them loose. If the discs are stuck bad it makes it a harder job when getting them apart.
Not bad to remove one from a SM. It can all be done from the outside. After the hand clutch parts are off the bull pinion comes out like a regular SM and a regular bull pinion and related parts can be installed.

Ellis Kinney · Mar 23, 2012

A couple of other things to think about. When I bought my first M the hand lever was missing and I had no idea what I had. A previous owner had bolted the clutch pack together. Everything was rusty and had to be sanded and the fiber clutches had to be replaced. Back then M&W still sold the parts. Good Luck, Ellis

john895 · Mar 23, 2012

Gene,
I have an M&W clutch on a 1948 M that I have been unable to get apart without destroying the disks. I have the installation instructions for the super M. Are they different? Any help appreciated.

jaxx fann · Mar 23, 2012

I have a MW hand clutch for a M [not a super] that I
would sell. clutch disk is bad all the rest is good.
I'll take 100.00 for it plus shipping. call 731 267
2124 if interested.

M&W "Live Pow'r" clutch operation

mkirsch

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Zachary Hoyt

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GeneMO

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mkirsch

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Dougct

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Janicholson

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kopeck

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D Slater

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Ellis Kinney

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john895

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jaxx fann

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