January 01, 2015

How to replace the electric clutch on a zero-turn riding mower

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace an electric clutch on a zero-turn riding mower. The electric clutch is attached to the engine crankshaft and controls the mower’s cutting blades. If the mower’s blades won’t engage or disengage correctly, replace the clutch with a manufacturer-approved riding mower part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the electric clutch on common Craftsman, Troybilt, MTD, Husqvarna, Toro and Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mowers.

See all our riding mower and lawn tractor DIY repair guides for more step-by-step instructions.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Socket wrench set

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replacing an electric clutch on a zero-turn riding mower

This video explains how to replace the electric clutch on a zero-turn riding mower.

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the spark plugs
Move the mower to a work area on a hard, level surface and set the parking brake. Disconnect the spark plug wires.
Tip: Enlist a helper to assist you when you remove the clutch.
PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plugs.
02.
Release the blade belt
Lower the mower deck to the lowest cutting position.
Remove the left pulley cover from the mower deck.
Push in the blade belt idler pulley to release belt tension and then roll the blade drive belt off the left blade pulley.
Reach under the rear of the mower frame and remove the blade drive belt from the electric clutch.
PHOTO: Lower the mower deck.
PHOTO: Remove the pulley cover.
PHOTO: Roll the blade belt off of the pulley.
PHOTO: Release the blade belt from the electric clutch.
03.
Remove the electric clutch
Unplug the electric clutch wiring harness beside the motor.
Remove the mounting screws from the flywheel cover and pull the cover off to access the flywheel nut.
Have a helper hold the flywheel nut stationary while you remove the mounting bolt from the clutch.
Pull the electric clutch off the engine crankshaft.
Tip: Note the routing of the electric clutch wiring harness when pulling the clutch off the engine shaft.
PHOTO: Unplug the electric clutch wire harness.
PHOTO: Remove the flywheel cover screws.
PHOTO: Remove the flywheel cover.
PHOTO: Hold the flywheel nut stationary.
PHOTO: Remove the electric clutch mounting bolt.
PHOTO: Remove the electric clutch.
04.
Install the new electric clutch
Position the bushing on top of the electric clutch.
Line up the slot in the electric clutch pulley with the key in the engine shaft and push the electric clutch onto the engine shaft.
Make sure the tab in the electric clutch bracket engages the mounting slot on the electric clutch frame.
While your helper holds the flywheel nut, reinstall the electric clutch mounting bolt.
Reattach the flywheel cover.
Reconnect the electric clutch wire harness.
Tip: Make sure that the electric clutch wire harness is routed to the engine correctly on reassembly.
PHOTO: Install the new clutch.
PHOTO: Tighten the clutch mounting bolt.
PHOTO: Reattach the flywheel cover.
PHOTO: Reconnect the wire harness.
05.
Reinstall the blade belt
Reinstall the blade drive belt onto the electric clutch.
Push in the blade belt idler pulley and roll the blade belt onto the left blade pulley.
Reinstall the pulley cover.
Tip: Make sure that the blade belt is routed correctly when reinstalling the blade belt.
PHOTO: Reinstall the belt on the electric clutch.
PHOTO: Roll the belt on the pulley.
PHOTO: Reinstall the pulley cover.
06.
Reconnect the spark plugs
Reconnect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs.
PHOTO: Reconnect the spark plugs.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.