Sorry, not a Tip, but just a chat about parts for small engine repair.
I am occasionally disappointed in the quality of replacement parts, both those offered by the OEM (original equipment manufactures) and aftermarket offerings. Because of this, I am always on the hunt for better and, sometimes, less expensive items.
Many riding mowers and small lawn tractors use electric PTO (power take-off) clutches to run accessories such as mower decks. These take a beating and the heat from the electric coils that create the magnetic pull to engage the clutch create a great deal of heat, sometimes frying the marginal quality bearings within them.
I found a company, Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment, that makes what, from my research, is a much better and less expensive replacement PTO clutch. I checked with my trusted parts supplier and they, much to their credit, said these were great clutches and that they were working on switching over to carrying Xtreme.
These have solid aluminum billet CNC machined pulleys, The same type used on race cars, a cooler running electrical coil unit, and replaceable high temperature bearings. This also comes with a one year warranty. Best of all, these are ASSEMBLED IN THE USA. More jobs here, at home.
I now have one in stock and will try on the next mower in need of a replacement.
I have attached pictures of the standard clutch I removed from a machine I was repairing and the Xtreme unit.
I will let you know how it works once installed.
Have a wonderful week
Tony
