The Old Lawnmower Club
Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

ATCO Deluxe traction clutch issue

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JonL

Dear All

I have an early 1970’s ATCO deluxe which was suffering from a slipping rear traction clutch despite the lever/ adjustment all being set correctly. I have removed from the machine and was hoping to disassemble to check for wear on the friction element or look for ingress of oil / grease but can not undo the retaining dome headed bolts (I’ve made a mess of the slots already ). The bolts will turn but not undo (despite the various YouTube videos suggesting otherwise ). On reverse , there appear to be some ? Captive rivets preventing the bolts from being withdrawn , so maybe this is the issue . Can anyone suggest how to proceed or have any other advice for me ? I have tried an impact wrench. I acknowledge the support I have had from Jon Cruse who is at the mower centre , Hailsham . Thanks in advance ! Kind Regards , Jonathan

 

Forums

hillsider Thu, 23/01/2025

My first suggestion is to mark the domed heads on the rear of the clutch housing then turn each of the bolts that you are trying to remove by a quarter of a turn. If by doing this it proves that the heads of the bolts are turning you can either ask someone with a welder to tack weld the heads of the bolts to the clutch housing to hold the bolts from moving while you undo them. Or alternatively carefully grind away the slotted heads of the bolts until the heads disappear allowing you to dismantle the clutch in order see what lurks within.
Do be aware though that this method would destroy the screws
Good luck.

JonL Sun, 26/01/2025

Thank you Hillsider.  I think as welding is concerned I will re-contact Jon Cruse and see if I can send him my clutch unit to attempt repair.

When I turn the bolts with a flat-head screwdriver the captive rivets also turn....

Kind regards

Jonathan