[Luthersrose]

I have a tru cut p20 and it seems like I am having to replace the motor chain once a year. It stretches out and the link connector breaks. My guess is the clutch needs replacing. I've ordered a new one and it is on the way. How hard is it to replace? I order the whole assembly thinking it might be easier to replace than just the sprocket and shaft. What adjustments if any do I have to make after installing the clutch?. I have a new chain but it is too tight with the old clutch my guess is with the new one it should be long enough.

 

[Luthersrose]

Thanks for the reply. I live in Willow Spring/ fuquay varina so I'm nearby.
I bought the mower about five years ago used. I bought it in the spring time and by the fall the chain had already broken. Took it to a repair place in Fuquay and they put a new chain on an adjusted it. It work for the rest of that season and the spring of the following year. Then it broke again so I took it to a different place and they put a new sprocket on it comes off the motor and a chain and sent me on my way. Used to for the rest of that's growing season in the spring time of the following season . The chain broke again I took it back to the same people fix of the previous year they put a new chain on an adjusted it send me on my way . And now it's broken again. So I think the sprocket on the clutch is worn down and that's what causing the chain to stretch and break . To replace just that sprocket you have to take apart the whole clutch and it looks rather complicated. Plus the pads that surround the sprocket are worn down. So that's why I'm replacing the whole clutch. Plus when I called dolphin outdoor power equipment where I order the parts they suggested to replace the whole clutch as it's probably time to do so.
As for the chain I slid the motor all the way forward and it still doesn't fit. But I will figure out a way to fix that. Thsts the least of my worries. I'm just tired of having to replace the chain every six months. I I should get longer than six months for one chain.
Thanks

 

[Luthersrose]

yes it is a 40 chain. and it has slack in it. I believe its cause the teeth on the front sprocket on the clutch are worn down, but I could be wrong.

 

[Luthersrose]

Thanks for the insight. Not sure what's going on either. The chain is a heavy duty 40 chain. The mower shop got me one last year and the new one I got from Dolphin Outdoor Power equipment looks the same. Here's a picture of the old one along some pictures of the sprocket and clutch.

 

[Luthersrose]

I will have to count the links later but it breaks at the connecting link each time

 

[Luthersrose]

It doesn't hit anything and least I don't hear it doing so. It starts when the chai starts to have slack in it and when you make a turn with the mower it jumps off the front sprocket. I put it back on and it will work for a couple more mowings when it occasionally jumps off. Then eventually it comes apart at the connection. Then if you replace the connection and it last a few mores of cutting and breaks again.

 

[Luthersrose]

I counted the previous two chains and they have 25 links. The new one only has 23 and as I said previously it is too short. The previous two chains were too long when they were purchased and they had to be shortened. The new chain came from Dolphin outdoor power equipment and was told they are the correct length so not sure why it is too short. I have the motor slid as far forward as it will go.

 

[Luthersrose]

I counted the previous two chains and they have 25 links. The new one only has 23 and as I said previously it is too short. The previous two chains were too long when they were purchased and they had to be shortened. The new chain came from Dolphin outdoor power equipment and was told they are the correct length so not sure why it is too short. I have the motor slid as far forward as it will go.

I just counted the links on my P-20 and it has 24. Did they sell you the correct # of links for the engine you have. The P-20 could have either the Honda or Briggs. Not sure if there would be a difference there.

I actually have a P-20 that you could check out if it would be helpful. I actually have 2 of them. Haha. I'd sell you the one that's not working for parts and it would be cheaper than that clutch from Dolphin. It needs a new reel and drive sprocket but the clutches seem to be in good shape.

Let me know if there are any specific pics I could take that may be helpful in figure out what is going on with yours.

Thanks for the offerson the old mower for parts and for taking pictures. The clutch should arrive tomorrow and I will work on installing it over the weekend. As for the chain I have the old ones so I might take a link from it or get one at tractor supply. If i find I need a picture or two I'll let you know. Thanks again

 

[Luthersrose]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and replies. Replacing the whole clutch is the way to go. Very easy to do. Here's how I did it.
1. Removed the covers which cover the chains.
2. Removed all three chains
3. Removed the two thumb controls where they connect to the clutch assembly
4. Removed the 4 bolts which attach the clutch to the frame of the mower.
5. Removed the old clutch assembly
6. Set the new clutch assembly in place and reinstalled the bolts
7. Reattached the thumb control to the clutch assembly
8 reinstalled the chains and cover plates
9. Start mower and your good to go

A couple of things I immediately noticed with the new clutch. In the past if I let the grass get high due to rain or just not being able to cut it, when I eventually did cut the grass the reel would clog up and stop turning. With the new clutch I don't have this problem. It plowed right through it
Also when I engage the clutch to make the back wheels turn I don't have to push the thumb control in as far. I barely push it in and it goes.
Also the main chain runs much smoother and quieter.
Hope this helps you all.

 

[Luthersrose]

Luthersrose, do you have any pics of the new clutch? Either on or off the reel?

Unfortunately I put all the covers back on. So I would have to take them off. I have a friend coming over some night this week to check and see if I have enough tension and length in the motor chain. So when he comes and I take off the covers I'll snap a few pictures. Thanks.

 

[Luthersrose]

So I take it from this posting that dolphin outdoor power equipment doesn't carry tru-cut parts anymore? Does anyone know someplace else to buy parts? I've bought parts from them before and had good service.
I need to replace the differential assembly on my P20. The teeth on the sprocket are worn down and the chain has too much play in it. I replaced the chain and had it snug. As soon as I turned it on and engaged the drive the chain become loose. I figure it's easier to replace the whole assembly than just the sprocket. I did that when I replaced the clutch assembly a few years back. Is that a correct assumption?
Thanks.

 

[Luthersrose]

Thanks I'm in Raleigh as well. I've had pro mow fix it before but wasn't impressed with his repair side. Will see if he will order parts for me. Thanks.

 

[Luthersrose]

Also I've learned to fix it myself now and have a friend who retired from John Deere where he designed their golf course mowers and he helps me. Thanks

 

[Luthersrose]

I have a p20 and replaced the clutch assembly a couple of years ago. It works great now.
The other day the differential chain slipped off. I replaced it last night, thinking that that chain hadn't t been replaced since I bought the mower used 8 years ago. I had the new chain good and snug on there. I ran it for a few minutes and it became loose again with some play in it.
I went to cut the grass tonight and got about 30 minute of cutting before it slipped off again and won't stay on the back big sprocket that is attached to the back axle. My guess is I need to replace the differential assembly as the teeth on that sprocket are worn down and the chain won't stay on. Does that sound correct?
Thanks for the assistance/advice.

 

[Luthersrose]

I need some help with my tru cut p20. A couple of weeks ago the differential chain slipped off the differential sprocket. I replaced the chain as I had not done so since I purchased it seven years ago and I thought it was time. I turn the motor on and engaged the clutch for the wheels and the chain slipped off again. I ordered a new differential assembly and differential idler. I replaced both of them and put the chain back on and proceeded to cut the grass tonight. After cutting about 10 rows of grass the chain started slipping again and falls off. I'm not sure what to do to fix it. The chain was good and tight when I put it on. When I engage the the clutch it seemed to be tight and very little slack in the chain. Here are some pictures. Not sure if I have something incorrect in my set up or not. Any help/assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Luthersrose]

Update on my posting above. I figured out as long as kept mower level the chain stayed on. It only slipped off when I was cutting my slope and mower was tilted to the left. Anyone have any idea what needs adjusted? Thanks.

 

[Luthersrose]

Thanks. I think that might've been the problem. I took the chain off and took a link out, loosened the tensioner, connected the chain, and then tightened the tensioner but made sure it was further down towards the ground rather than up like it previously was. The chain is nice and snug now. I tried it and it works. Real test will come when I try to cut the grass. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Luthersrose]

I have a tru cut p20. I replaced the clutch assembly a few weeks back and it worked fine for a few cuts. I cut the front yard at lunch time and it worked fine. Went out after work to cut the back. It worked fine for a few passes then when I tried to push the thumb control for the drive part of the clutch it wouldn't go in or engage that side of the clutch. However the thumb control that engages the reel also is now controlling the drive part of the clutch. I.e. I push in the control to turn on the reel the drive part works as well. I also noticed that when the mower is turned off the the reel and the drive chain moves and it doesn't normally do that. The whole clutch spins around. Anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? Thanks in advance.