Aluminum clutch disc?
 

I need to replace my clutch in my model 122. I found an aluminum clutch disc on ebay today for $16 and some change, this is definitely cheaper than the $40.00 they ask for the O.E.M. disc. Is there any advantage/ disadvantage of the aluminum over the fiber disc. I do not plan to use the cub for a puller just to pull an occasional garden plow and snow plow/ blower.

Other than the extra stiff bearing,this set up may save me a few bucks, but is it practical for a everyday garden tractor?


Any input on this would be appreciated.

I wouldn't recommend running a aluminum disc. It makes the clutch very grabby and when it does grab, it's going to take off. For everyday use, I would recommend the stock disc.

AJ

I don't have any first hand experience with them, but as ajgross stated, I've heard there is no feathering or slipping an aluminum clutch, it's more like they are either "on" or "off" nothing in between. If you've got 16 bucks and change to take a chance and the time to maybe do the job twice, then try it out and see what you think. Depending on what you do with your tractor it may work out ok for you.

I agree with the comments so far. I haven't any hands on experience but I've heard the same about the grabbing. You will probably need a new teaser spring too. The alum. clutch requires the stiffer spring as well so you'd probably be a lot happier just going with the OEM disc. I was thinking about trying this untilI heard all of the same things being said here. It may even be more expensive in the long run. There are also fibre discs being offered on eBay but they lack the steel center disc. I'd stay away from those too. I think it's always a good idea to get everything back in tip top shape while you have it all disassembled. I would even change the throwout bearing if there's any play at all. I do this and keep the "bad" bearing for emergencies.

Just my .02 worth....

Good luck Wayne

You also must have your pressure plates smoothed as possible to help against grabbing. A machine shop can do it. A local Cub guy has his setup with the aluminum disc and solid ISO mounts in his 1000 and claims it works great mowing the grass,but he mows 1-2 acres and does little stopping. I have no experience with one and am not sure I would personally use one for anything but pulling until I hear some more opinions..

I wouldn't use an aluminum disc either for the reasons already stated.

If you need to replace the friction disc, this is a good time to inspect the driveshaft for wear, replace the main spring, teaser spring, throwout bearing, and have the pressure plates trued up in a lathe. It's such a PITA to remove the clutch on a narrowframe that you only want to do this once...

Only place for a alunimun clutch disc is in a puller. I've been using a clutch disc that is made out of Kevlar from Midwest Super Cub:
http://www.midwestsupercub.net/clutch.pdf
This tractor is used in tug of wars and pulling. The price is cheaper than a OEM replacement disc.

Here is a topic that shows what I do when I rebuild a clutch for a Cub:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...le+Dick&page=6

dale there is one other place for a aluminum disc. The field. I made a trade with BB for his Mag powered 582. It has a pulling spring with a aluminum clutch disc and it really helps make sure that the clutch doesn't slip when I'm plowing at full throttle in 3rd gear. ;0)

AJ

The problem with a aluminum disk is it's off or on. You can't slip a clutch with a aluminum disk. That can lead to a safety problem(s) down the road.

Another safety problem that will shut down plow days is plowing at full throttle in 3rd gear. Someone is going to get hurt. When that happens the land owner or group putting on a plow day will have problems getting insurance to cover events like plow days. I am a director/vice president of an International Harvester Collectors state chapter
http://www.ohio6ihc.com/
We are looking into hosting Red Power Round Up. Part of the discussion delt with the cost insure a event. Most insurance companies are not willing to cover tractor related events because of the safety issues. The insurrance that IH Collectors had will not cover tractor pulling or tractor rides.

ajgross-

You must really like to get you plowing over with in a hurry. 3rd gear?

Merk-

I hadn't seen that website (first one posted) before and I like what they offer. Is the kevlar disc lamenated like the OEM? I'm assuming not. Also, have you ever seen this complete clutch set-up in a cub? I bet it's nice. The prices are reasonable as well, like you implied. They offer a good selection too.