The Scag Tiger Cub PTO clutch is an example of robust, professional-grade equipment that is susceptible to wear and tear, even with the best electromagnetic coils.

If you don't do regular maintenance, a small problem could quickly get progressively worse. According to a study by Wang et Al., proactive maintenance of the PTO clutch is essential. For busy landscaping contractors, a failing mower could end up costing them a lot of money in downtime.

Want to learn how to spot the early warning signs of a failing PTO clutch so that your equipment stays reliable and works well?

This useful guide will help you to correctly identify the issue with your Scag Tiger Cub PTO clutch and figure out if it needs to be fixed or replaced.

Common Signs of a Failing Clutch

 Here are some of the most common signs of trouble  you need to look out for when diagnosing clutch problems:

• Blades Don't Move: If your engine runs smoothly but the blades are dead, your clutch might be failing
• Intermittent Blade Operation: Blades engaging initially but stopping abruptly suggest overheated coils or wiring issues
• Unusual Noise: Clanking, grinding, or rattling sounds during blade engagement are usually caused by worn bearings 
• Burning Smell: A burning smell when the PTO clutch is engaged often indicates overheating or electrical wiring issues, requiring immediate shutdown

If you notice any of these signs during your PTO clutch troubleshooting, you might need to replace the clutch unit.

Troubleshooting Scag Mower Performance: Step by Step

If you suspect a problem with your Scag Tiger Cub PTO clutch, you'll need to take a systematic approach. Carefully work your way through these steps. Remember to always keep safety in mind. 

Visual Inspection

Before doing a visual inspection, turn the mower off completely. Next, check the underside for any damage. You're looking for things like loose wires or signs of heat damage, such as melted insulation around the wiring. 

Electrical Testing

If you suspect an electrical problem, you should disconnect the mower's battery and then run some tests. If you have a multimeter available, set it to Ohms and test the resistance of the clutch coil.

A properly functioning Scag Tiger Cub PTO clutch should have a resistance between 2.5 to 2.5 ohms. If you're seeing a reading that's outside this range by a wide margin, it suggests coil damage. 

The solution for damaged coils is to replace the clutch

Voltage Check

Next, you should connect the battery. Make sure it's safely connected and then engage the clutch switch while the mower is powered on, but not running. Measure the voltage at the clutch connector. 

Hopefully, you'll see a reading of around 12 volts. Anything less than that and there's likely a problem with your PTO switch or wiring. 

Check the Bearings

Before checking the bearings, the mower should be off, and the blades need to be safely disengaged. Gently try rotating the pulley by hand. You should see it smoothly rotating without any resistance or strange sounds. 

If the blades feel rough or stubborn, it indicates significant wear to the bearings or another internal mechanical problem. 

Evaluate the Brakes

Brakes that turn off quickly after the operator disengages them are an essential safety feature. You can check your brake function by engaging the blades before disengaging them. Time how long it takes the blades to come to a complete stop. 

This essential safety mechanism guarantees that mowers adhere to federal safety regulations. According to the regulations, the blades must stop completely within seconds of the operator disengaging.

If it takes more than a few seconds, there's probably a lot of wear and tear on the brakes, or you have a malfunctioning clutch. 

Replacing Your Scag Tiger Cub PTO Clutch

So, if you've determined that there's a problem with your PTR clutch and it needs to be replaced, you have three main options for a replacement. This is what sets each of these categories apart.

OEM Clutches

The first category is the OEM clutch. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. According to Investopedia, when you buy one of these OEM clutches, you're essentially buying the official version, which will usually match up with the initial clutch that the mower had when you got it new from the factory. In some cases, these parts might be slightly upgraded, reflecting the improved design and engineering standards since you bought the base model.

Aftermarket Clutches

The other category is aftermarket clutches. Aftermarket clutches are those produced by any third party. Aftermarket clutch manufacturers will almost always market themselves as being equivalent in performance to their OEM counterparts with a lower price tag. In some cases, aftermarket manufacturers use clever engineering or adept supply chain management to genuinely produce clutches comparable to OEM clutches.

But sometimes they cut corners in important areas and produce something significantly less reliable. If you choose to purchase an aftermarket clutch, you should always check online reviews and remain skeptical of manufacturer claims. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, particularly from manufacturers who are shipping from overseas.

Heavy Duty Aftermarket Clutches

The final category is heavy-duty aftermarket clutch upgrades. Unlike conventional aftermarket clutches, these are heavy-duty clutches that aim to go above and beyond what a normal clutch is capable of.

These aftermarket clutches are suited for those who want enhanced reliability or sturdiness. For example, if you're a landscaping contractor who absolutely wants to avoid any downtime or delay, it might make sense to buy an upgraded clutch that can stand up better to wear and tear.

Looking for a Scag Tiger Cub PTO Clutch?

The Turf Tiger is a device designed to be used continuously. When the Scag Tiger Cub PTO clutch malfunctions, productivity plummets. Replacing a broken Scag Turf Tiger PTO clutch means finding a trusted seller and buying one that matches Turf Tiger specifications.

Here at Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment, we're proud to offer robust, heavy-duty aftermarket PTO clutches. Through subtle engineering, we offer OEM-level reliability that won't break the bank. Some of our clutches are even a significant performance upgrade from stock models. Contact us today to learn more about our services, you're sure to find the clutch you're looking for. 

Related Articles

Scag Turf Tiger PTO Clutches for Optimal Performance
Master the Scag PTO Clutch: Ultimate Maintenance Tips