Bronze vs. Carbon Fiber PTO Wear Buttons?

[ihcc104]

Has anyone used the new Bronze wear buttons over the original carbon ones? I was thinking of switching because they seem like they would last longer. Just wondering everyone's opinions.

- Cory

[darkminion_17]

I would go with the fiber ones much cheaper.$2.50
Brass or bronze, they will wear eventually but will you own the tractor that long?Besides why didn't IH think of them first?
just my 2 tortillas

[cadzag72]

I know the fiber button in my 72 was replaced sometime in the late 80's or early 90's, but I was changing my starter belt today and noticed that it still looked brand new. Before that I had been thinking about putting a brass one in the 125, but now i think i'll just ride out the fiber one that's in it and replace it later on. they hold up better than I thought!

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by cadzag72

I know the fiber button in my 72 was replaced sometime in the late 80's or early 90's, but I was changing my starter belt today and noticed that it still looked brand new. Before that I had been thinking about putting a brass one in the 125, but now i think i'll just ride out the fiber one that's in it and replace it later on. they hold up better than I thought!

Although the fiber buttons can last a while, they tend to break off extremely easily when changing belts ( changing from tiller to mower deck or mower deck to to snow thrower.)

No such problem with brass/bronze.

[Cub Cadet 123]

I've used both and like the fiber ones better, even though they have broken on me for install. The brass one seems to wear faster for me. There are two styles of the brass ones--loose fit and C-clip fit. I bought the loose fit, because I didn't think that I would have the patience to put the C-clip on. The loose fit is too loose and it slides out to touch the PTO button all of the time, causing excessive wear. So, if you get a brass wear button, then get one with the groove in it for the C-clip or else stick with the fiber button. Either one is not that expensive, so try something new if you want.

Cub Cadet 123

[ihcc104]

Thanks everyone for your replys. My PTO button is a little worn (from last owner not having a Wear button at all, so That is always going to bite me in the butt. I may just look into getting a new PTO button and sticking with the fiber ones

[drglinski]

I've always replaced mine with the fiber one and knock on wood it hasn't given me any trouble. As far as changing belts is concerned, I take my time and don't get carried off crashing the belt into the button so as to bust it off. Before I change a belt, I disconnect the mechanical rod from the lever and get the button way out of the way, as close to the grille as it'll go.

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by Cub Cadet 123

I've used both and like the fiber ones better, even though they have broken on me for install. The brass one seems to wear faster for me. There are two styles of the brass ones--loose fit and C-clip fit. I bought the loose fit, because I didn't think that I would have the patience to put the C-clip on. The loose fit is too loose and it slides out to touch the PTO button all of the time, causing excessive wear. So, if you get a brass wear button, then get one with the groove in it for the C-clip or else stick with the fiber button. Either one is not that expensive, so try something new if you want.

Cub Cadet 123

I make press fit brass PTO buttons. I turn( make) them with two diameters, a smaller diameter to start them straight and then the proper press fit diameter. You will need a vise or c-clamp to install them.

The first one I made I put on my 125. It's been on for three years and is still full thickness.

[Fred's 123]

Quick question... if the button isn't wearing, then what is? I thought the idea behind the fiber button was that it would wear faster than the item running against it.

Keep your clutch released when you don't have a mower or snow thrower mounted, and those fiber buttons can last a long time. When you're ordering stuff, order a spare button, so you have one on the shelf if you should break yours changing a belt, etc.

[Jeff in Pa]

Fred, You get inital wear as the parts mate to each other. Then the lubricity of the brass greatly reduces wear provided the brass button is centered on the PTO button . Sheetmetal dropped in the side of the frame between the grill casting will keep it centered if adjustments are needed.

Jeff