How to change TC friction disc

[Slim140]

This is how I changed my touch control friction disc. It's available from TM Tractor for $7 and change. I first made one out of a piece of UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene; basically plastic) we had here because I didn't want to order one. I bought one for the other tractor when I added hydraulics on it and it is a piece of cork.

First, take a large screwdriver and wiggle the keeper out. Be careful so the spring doesn't get lost if it comes off. It doesn't have a lot of pressure but enough to keep it tight.

[Slim140]

After cleaning it all with a wire brush I put it back together using a 3/8" bolt and a vise. I used the screwdriver on the other side of the spring to help push it down since the bolt pushes one side only. After compressing the spring slide the keeper as far as you can then remove the bolt and use a hammer to tap the keeper all the way into position. I did this all before painting it so I wouldn't scratch it.

[Jim Becker]

Note that there are 2 styles of this lever assembly. The other one has a threaded shaft and uses a nut rather than the keeper shown here. Although few parts interchange between the 2 styles, the basic design is similar enough that anyone that reads this and looks at these pictures should be able to replace the friction disk on the other style.

[Slim140]

So the UHMW didn't work, it's too slick and doesn't have enough resistance to hold it in place so I made a new disc out of 1/8" thick gasket material and it works great. It measures 1-11/16" O.D. with a 7/16" hole in the middle.

I think the piece of cork would be the best option because it has more friction. Thanks, Shane