Rockford Clutches for Farmall Tractors
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 8:48 am
I own and run a Farmall Super A and a Cub. Both have Rockford clutches. Plowing snow recently, the Rockford clutch was damaged and required replacement on the Super A. I replaced this tractor's clutch in 1992 with an "as-original" Rockford clutch so I know that these last about twenty-one years and provide about 2600 hours of life. I noticed during the summer that this clutch had run out of pedal adjustment...I mean that adjusting the clutch pedal to the correct free travel brought the throw-out bearing (TOB) carrier ears too close to the clutch pressure plate finger pivot tabs. When I would depress the pedal fully, the TOB ears would come into contact slightly with the tabs and result in a "ding-ding-ding" noise until I would let up on the pedal. I should have ordered parts and found time to make the replacement because breaking-down during a snow storm is very inconvenient.
I was plowing heavily when I had to stop quickly...that's when I forgot about my pedal problem and depressed it too far..."bang", the TOB carrier crashed into one of the pressure plate tabs and broke/sheared it off! The clutch would not disengage and getting the transmission out of gear by force was the only way I had to stop. Getting the unit back to my shop while stranded in deep snow reinforced the lesson learned.
So, I had a clutch replacement job on my hands. The Super A had a non-turning type TOB. Since I had all the work of splitting the tractor, I made the decision to replace all clutch system components, including the TOB. The only option was to install a rolling type TOB for which an "adapter" was necessary to complete this portion of the clutch. Negotiating the parts acquisition portion of the project was harder than doing the work...knowledge of these old tractors (sixty-two years old) is quickly disappearing and prices for the parts have doubled since 1992.
I read in this forum notes about how these tractors are used for heavy work. My tractors are used heavily but not too heavily. I recognize the limitations of my tractors and avoid over-working them...there's always a way to get the tractor work done without unduly loading and abusing the machines. Super A's and Cubs have a charm that almost everyone recognizes...that's why they're popular (here) and continue to be sort of heirloom items. By today's standards, these machines are light-duty and limited including snow plowing like I have to do. They only perform well when judiciously maintained and operated with care and in a safe manner.
I am grateful for the advice, direction and tips provided here by the forum members and moderators. The resources offered on the website are nothing short of awesome. Since there's no living person around my area to seek advice about these units, this forum is my life line. As long as there are repair parts that I can afford and install myself, I can continue to use my tractors to tend work on my property. I guess I have turned into a Red Power enthusiast...be careful, this disease is catchy.
I was plowing heavily when I had to stop quickly...that's when I forgot about my pedal problem and depressed it too far..."bang", the TOB carrier crashed into one of the pressure plate tabs and broke/sheared it off! The clutch would not disengage and getting the transmission out of gear by force was the only way I had to stop. Getting the unit back to my shop while stranded in deep snow reinforced the lesson learned.
So, I had a clutch replacement job on my hands. The Super A had a non-turning type TOB. Since I had all the work of splitting the tractor, I made the decision to replace all clutch system components, including the TOB. The only option was to install a rolling type TOB for which an "adapter" was necessary to complete this portion of the clutch. Negotiating the parts acquisition portion of the project was harder than doing the work...knowledge of these old tractors (sixty-two years old) is quickly disappearing and prices for the parts have doubled since 1992.
I read in this forum notes about how these tractors are used for heavy work. My tractors are used heavily but not too heavily. I recognize the limitations of my tractors and avoid over-working them...there's always a way to get the tractor work done without unduly loading and abusing the machines. Super A's and Cubs have a charm that almost everyone recognizes...that's why they're popular (here) and continue to be sort of heirloom items. By today's standards, these machines are light-duty and limited including snow plowing like I have to do. They only perform well when judiciously maintained and operated with care and in a safe manner.
I am grateful for the advice, direction and tips provided here by the forum members and moderators. The resources offered on the website are nothing short of awesome. Since there's no living person around my area to seek advice about these units, this forum is my life line. As long as there are repair parts that I can afford and install myself, I can continue to use my tractors to tend work on my property. I guess I have turned into a Red Power enthusiast...be careful, this disease is catchy.