Steering Clutch Adjustment on Crawler

I have a TD-9 Series 92 and I'm a newbie, so hopefully this is not a D-U-M question. I don't know if my clutch needs adjustment, is fine or is at the end of it's useful life.

The above picture is from my manual. Based on the manual's description, I am thinking there should be 2-4 inches of free-play at the BEGINNING of the pull, after that the clutch will start to dis-engage (to allow me to turn).

The clutch on my TD-9 does not appear to have any free-play at all. There is some resistance right at the beginning of the pull. The steering clutch does not dis-engage (to let me steer) until I reach the end (last 4-6 inches) of the travel on the the steering clutch ... I pull it all the way back (to the seat) to turn.

Do I need adjustment, am I fine as-is or is a new clutch in my future?

Thanks in advance!

-Marc.

When you pull back on the levers does the machine labor at all. If it does that is an indication that the brakes are to tight. Just because you have to pull all the way back to turn does not mean it is not releasing. Try pulling both levers back at the same time about half way. Does the tractor stop now? If not try doing the same thing again, only this time put your foot on the brake pedal. If it lugs the engine then you know they are not releasing. They should release with very little lever travel if there is no free play at all. Also check for rusted or binding linkage. If they release and you don't have any trouble with them slipping, then tehy should not need replacing yet.

• P&D Mechanical

When I pull back on the levers the machine keeps rolling, but I can stop it with the brakes. Light resistance.

Seems like I'd want to tighten the clutch linkage to get more travel on the clutch (?)

Just not sure about the clutch freeplay. When I pull on the levers they starts with some resistance, no apparent freeplay. They pull back about 2/3-3/4 of the way and they 'click' into a position. Then pull the remaining 1/4-1/3 to engage the clutch.

Even though I do not appear to have freeplay, I'm thinking I should tighten the linkage to get more travel on the clutch...