[Ford-ferguson] Massey Harris 50 bad clutch

[Winterrowd, Mike F]

Hello,

I am brand-new to the list and have a 1955 or 56, 4 cylinder MH with a bad clutch.  It is a 2-stage clutch.  I am hoping to get some information and advice on fixing it myself or if necessary hiring a mechanic.  Both my mechanical skills and expendable funds are low, which makes this project even more of a challenge.

The tractor was inherited from my wife's grandfather-so the intelligent solution of selling it and buying a newer, used tractor is not an option.

My goal is to be able to use it again for mowing our fields-20 acres, pretty rough, but we only mow a few times a year.  We have a bush hog and the set up has worked pretty well in the past.   It also needs some general restoration work that I am more capable of doing, but the main problem is the clutch.

The tractor will start and run.  You can put it in gear and it will pull off and go.  When you step on the clutch it won't stop.  It continues forward with good power.  Also, you can't engage the PTO.  The clutch doesn't stop the PTO at all.  I've adjusted the free play and that didn't work.

A friend, very good tractor mechanic, advised me that it needs a clutch kit.  Restoration Supply lists one for $439.  I don't know if this is a good price or not.  I also don't know if any used parts could be used here.   A new friend from a local tractor club, said that if it will pull off, I don't need the whole kit-just some replacement parts.  I am hoping for some additional advise and info from the list.

I've been advised that I have to split the tractor to figure out what's wrong and to do any type of clutch work on it.   The tractor is 5400 lbs.  I don't own a rolling engine hoist or any other heavy equipment.  I could borrow my uncle's slightly smaller JD tractor that has a front end loader with a bucket and forks attachment.  It might be big enough to hold up ½ the tractor.   I do have some good work spaces w/ concrete floors that I could move it to before trying to split it.  Currently it is in a large shed w/ a roof and gravel floor.

I don't need to fix it very quickly-my time frame would be months to years.

I also don't want to do more harm than good or make it more difficult to hire a mechanic to fix it.

Thanks for your help,

Mike