Original front clutch
 

Don't know anything about originals but been looking at getting one. I've read that the front clutch was an option , how does one engage/disengage it? I could not find any pics with a lever on the tower. I recently looked at a original for sale and the owner had the front pto clutch with all the linkage and lever but it was not installed, it looked a lot like the one off my 100, but he had no idea how it went on. I am assuming that the clutch is needed to run a deck or thrower? Please enlighten me. Thanks.

You are correct, the PTO is about the same as a 100. Lever is on the side of the dash tower.
The one's with just a deck, the mower was engaged on the deck by pressing a foot operated "lever".

Original mower decks didn't use a front PTO. The deck was stopped using a lever on the deck itself, causing slack in the belt to stop the blades from turning.

Originals that were fitted with the front PTO had a lever different to any other Cub Cadet. It did mount to side of the dash tower, but it looked very different than any of the later handles.

I believe there are several members here who have Originals equipped with a front PTO, maybe someone will post a picture.

Like Todd said, the deck has a foot lever to engage the blades. The pto belt from the engine to deck is always spinning, if the belts/deck linkage is not adjusted properly, the blades will "drift" and spin even with the foot lever off. The thrower also has it's own system to start and stop the thrower while the pto pulley is spinning all the time. You don't need the add on pto to run the deck and thrower made for an O. It was a safety measure to have fewer constantly moving parts that could lead to injury.

Bill

Thanks for the responses, things are making sense know. If I wanted to put a CC36 thrower on it, which (correct me if I'm wrong) will fit an original but was not made for it, I would still need that clutch? Also what kind of value is put on that front clutch, are they uncommon? Thanks!

I meant CW36 thrower on it. I have a BB36 which was made for it I believe, but somebody hacked the attachment point to fit a wide frame.

here are the parts needed for the front PTO.The PTO is the same for the NF tractors,you will also need the S/G pulley from a NF also.
You can use this for a Timed deck,38" cast end deck or the newer cc or cw 36" throwers.

thanks for the pics Lew!

I just picked up an Original last night with the lever mounted on the side. I'll take some pics tonight and post them.

Pics would be great. I did pick up that "O" but won't be working on it anytime soon but pics will help when I do. Thanks