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I have a Cub 2186 44" Deck and 42" Blower. This winter, I went to start the tractor and the blower started running without the PTO switch pulled out. When I did pull the switch out, it seemed to run a little faster.

Now its mowing season and I put the deck on and started it, forgetting about the PTO problem, the tractor started kind of hard but started. The blades are engaged instantly and even when you push the switch back in, they still are engaged.

I think I know that the answer is the the PTO switch itself but just wanted to double check if it could be anything else or a combination of things.

Thanks for the help in advance!

Ok. I bought the new PTO switch. Now how do I get the old one out? Is there a trick to it?

There should be a plastic tab at the top and bottom that you have to press in and it should come out with a little effort

Did you check that the pto will actually disengage if you unplug the wiring at the clutch?
I am asking because it is possible to have something jammed in the clutch that will keep it from releasing, If the clutch lining rips loose it can stack up inside and cause this. Hope the switch is the problem... that will be a cheep repair, compared to a clutch... KennyV

Well the switch was easy enough to replace, however it was not the problem. It still does the same thing.

Kenny, you think it could be the clutch itself? How do I check it?

Unplug it... that way you know it is getting NO power to engage.
You should be able to rotate the pulley part freely, if not a closer examination of the clutch plate and clutch surface will show either something external has been forced into it thereby jamming it together...

OR, the clutch disc has d laminated and the loose pieces have stacked up and they are jamming it. This latter condition is the most likely and it is the most common failure of a electromagnetic clutch. KennyV

Well I unplugged the clutch and it still stays engaged. A visual inspection does not show anything jammed so I'm guessing the clutch itself is bad?

Sounds like the bearings in the PTO are shot. Had the same problem on my 1641. If it's the same as my clutch you can replace the bearings even though Cub says you need a complete PTO $55.00 for bearings or about $400.00 for a clutch.

Sam Mac is right:thumbsup: remove the clutch and check it out ... it should be very obvious what has failed in it. KennyV

Thanks fellas!

Now on to my next dumb question. What is the easiest way to remove the clutch? There is not much room to get a puller in there...

Seized bearings my guess. Usually the hardest part is getting the bolt out. You must hold the crank and use a breaker bar. clutches are not usually tight. bearings are held in by snap ring...good luck...

Update:
Out of business and necessity, I have been starting it with everything still engaged. I know, I know but circumstances prevented it.

SO, my wife was mowing and the deck belt snapped. I just pulled the deck off now, removed the drive belt and started the tractor. The clutch was spinning and there was small sparks coming off what I think are the magnets. (I'm kinda clutch illiterate) Then I pulled the PTO switch and the plate opens but its still sparking. Something isn't functioning properly.

Does this give anyone a better clue of what is wrong?

I did try to remove the clutch and the crank just spins. Not sure how to hold that either. Not much room there to get an impact wrench on that bolt.

I don't mean to be a pain in the butt guys but I take pride in my 6 acres and its starting to get long. :biggrin:

New clutch ordered for $200.00. Half price of what I have seen at most places.

I hope you've got your new clutch in by now. I was going to tell you about using a length of clothesline stuffed down the sparkplug hole to keep the engine from turning over while you unbolt the clutch.