[Derek E Hopper]

I have recently purchased a low rust, garage kept, red and white 582. Mowing in second gear is too slow. Mowing in third gear is too fast for my blades. I sharpened the blades, cut close to 2 Acres and put it away for a week. I cranked it up. It lunged a little (which I thought was strange). I tried to mow again in third gear and the tractor is now loosing speed up hills. In fact, it would stop completely if I let it. I think the clutch might be slipping. I do not recognize any new sounds, engine sounds the same, just lack of performance at the wheels. I think second gear is still pulling as it should but slow is slow!

-Question-

Is this a common clutch maintenance issue for these tractors? If so, then can it simply be adjusted? What are my options?

Thanks!