Thank you for the video. Replaced both clutches today on a low hour 850i. JD dealer service manager and mechanics all said the reason for the clutches going out is if they are not worked hard enough the chrome plated shafts start to get a build up of corrosion which eventually causes them to hang up. Their suggestion is to drive it hard often to keep them clean, their opinion. The magnets worked great.
I just replaced the primary clutch in our 2019 Gator. Your video was great and I relied on this video for the replacement procedure. Our clutch was failing to fully release which prevented the ability to change gears. The one thing I did for the clutch housing bolt removal and installation was to put a small disk shaped rare earth magnet into the socket. This provides more than enough holding force to keep the bolt tight and straight inside the socket. I've used this method on other similar difficult bolt locations. The magnets I used came from Harbor Freight in a ~10 pack. Cheap and easy way to hold bolts in your socket. Great video!
I'm glad the video helped. That is a great idea on the magnets. I'll have to run to Harbor Freight and grab some for future projects. Thanks for your comments.
This is one of the best videos I have seen on drive belts. I have an 825i and just took the cover off, much simpler on the 825i. The belt enclosure area was also much cleaner.
Extremely helpful and well done...I have same year and model and am going thru similar issue. Attempting this same procedure and currently on the clutch housing with one more bolt on the very bottom. Need to pick up a 1/4" socket swivel to get in there. I've pretty much decided to replace the primary and secondary at this point. I don't want to do this again!
@@gaining_ground Just as a followup...looks like there are two models of primary clutches out there...AUC14433 and AM146262. The first one $300 more expensive than the second. It seems John Deere claims both are appropriate for the machine. Makes me scratch my head. Anyhow....thought I'd share for those looking at this. I ordered the AM146262 clutch hoping it does the trick. Thanks again.
All of the issues appear to be legendary on this unit. Unless these units are run flat out all the time, they just fail. At least that is what my dealer told me. I wish the sales department would relay that info before point of sale. Same issues exactly at
I have the same machine and it seems the same issue. Jerky when you first try and take off either in reverse or forward. I was hoping it was just the belt but after watching this video I’m going to assume it’s the clutch if not both the belt and clutch. I guess I’m in for a frustrating adventure doing this. Thanks for the video
I have a 2012 825i. The clutch on that one shifted so hard I bent the shift lever. I sent the unit to the dealer for recall service and asked them to look at the clutch also. They said I needed a new clutch (
Yeah, so far the new clutch has been substantially better. It is lower geared which increases engine rpms and lowers the top speed from the original, but I can live with that. I hope it holds up. Thanks for the comment!
@@gaining_ground The 825i uses the three cylinder Chery engine from China. It runs at really high rpm. I think that is where part of the problem was with the original clutch. Either way, Deere likes to make you pay for their errors.
I'm looking at buying a 2019 version of this (1100 miles on it). But after finding and watching your video, I'm rethinking this. I'm sure the 2019 has the upgraded clutch, but I don't think the clutch was the issue, I think the amount of dirt inside there was what was caused the problem (with the bearing). You'd think they'd make a better seal around the housing. Thank you for the video. It was very well done and you explained everything nicely.
Other than the clutch I really haven’t had any other issues with it. I’ve heard of electrical gremlins with them, but I haven’t experienced any. I think they are one of the best looking utvs out there. The clutch is definitely a detractor from buying one. I hope the upgraded clutch lasts, otherwise I will be getting rid of it. Thanks for commenting.
@@gaining_ground Thank you for the response. It's a 2019 and he's asking $9900. Dunno if that's good or not. It does look sharp though. How do they handle? Our Kymco 450i is great in dirt, kinda sketchy over 40 on pavement. Don't care to go fast, but want the dump bed and a decent ride. And nowadways everything is overpriced... Our Kymco is in Indiana and we're wanting for our place in FL.
@@gregslair4278 That price doesn’t seem bad depending on the model and options (windshield, power steering, winch, etc.). Mine is an 850 which didn’t come with power steering (860 does). Mine handled great on and off road with manual steering, but at low speeds it took some arm force to turn. I added power steering and now it is fantastic at all speeds. With the new clutch it tops out around 50mph and I feel just as comfortable as if I was in a car. I hear you on the over pricing. It is tremendously handy on the farm, which is the only way I can justify having one. If you have any other questions I’m more than happy to share what I know.
@@gaining_ground Power steering yes, no windshield and no winch and don't know if it's wired for it (but those can be remedied) but a windshield doesn't appear to be too cheap either. I'll be back down in FL next week and will stop by and check it out (I don't think anybody is in a hurry to buy it for what he's asking). A new 4x4 Mule is around 10-11K, I think our Kymco was around $8500. I'd rather have another subcompact tractor there (more useful) and our Kubota BX23d has been great here on our whopping 3 acres (yeah, those aren't cheap either). But the wife want's another side by side..... I subscribed and will check out your other videos too. Thanks for answering me back.
Thanks for the video currently doing this on my Gator and man what a terrible design you would most definitely be screwed if your belt blew on the trail
You are welcome. Both the primary and secondary clutches are torqued to 54ft lbs. It's been a few years since I made that video. I'm not sure what I forgot to include, I apologize for not including that info. Thanks for the comment.
Yes, it probably would. However, I don’t have a lift to get the entire machine up to work under it. You would still have to open up the top half to get to some items. No matter which way you do it, it is still more work than a person should have to do to replace a belt.
Hi I have the Same machine litterly heard a large. Bang between console. Won't go in any gear sound like some grinding or like a chain dragging wow. That was crazy I was at top speed. I'm thinking clutch. ?
@@thomasthompson4999 I agree with you, it’s probably the clutch or the splined shaft going into the clutch. They don’t have an air or moisture tight seal around that area, which doesn’t bode well for clutch life.
How is it running since you did ALL THAT WORK. I have a 2019 RSX 860M that’s doing the same. It only has 138 miles. Warranty just ran out and dealer wants $1400 to replace clutch. And no guarantee how long it will last. I have heard of it only lasting couple weeks and go back to same trouble. Not happy with JD. Love the machine, when it was right.
So far so good. It is lower geared than the clutch it came from the factory with, which creates noticeably higher engine rpms and a slightly lower top speed (50mph). I think the biggest problem is the dust that gets into the clutch housing. If a guy could keep that housing clean inside I think clutches would last for a long time.
Yes, it is definitely a task. I don’t blame you a bit for taking it to the dealer. My dealer wouldn’t attempt it because they didn’t want to be liable.
I was able to find the EPI kit number WE437117. As for the clutch I haven't found that number. The dealership would only sell me the current clutch available. I would go through a dealership simply because the online parts stores are not going to have the most up to date options clutch wise. I hope that helps you.
Thank you for the video. Replaced both clutches today on a low hour 850i. JD dealer service manager and mechanics all said the reason for the clutches going out is if they are not worked hard enough the chrome plated shafts start to get a build up of corrosion which eventually causes them to hang up. Their suggestion is to drive it hard often to keep them clean, their opinion. The magnets worked great.
That’s interesting. Mine definitely hadn’t been driven hard, so that might have been part of the problem.
Thanks for the info.
I just replaced the primary clutch in our 2019 Gator. Your video was great and I relied on this video for the replacement procedure. Our clutch was failing to fully release which prevented the ability to change gears. The one thing I did for the clutch housing bolt removal and installation was to put a small disk shaped rare earth magnet into the socket. This provides more than enough holding force to keep the bolt tight and straight inside the socket. I've used this method on other similar difficult bolt locations. The magnets I used came from Harbor Freight in a ~10 pack. Cheap and easy way to hold bolts in your socket.
Great video!
I'm glad the video helped. That is a great idea on the magnets. I'll have to run to Harbor Freight and grab some for future projects. Thanks for your comments.
Absolutely a must watch for someone buying a JD side by side. Couldn't give me one of these rigs on a bet.
This is one of the best videos I have seen on drive belts. I have an 825i and just took the cover off, much simpler on the 825i. The belt enclosure area was also much cleaner.
Thank you, I was trying to be thorough.
Yeah, I think the biggest downfall for the RX is keeping the belt area clean.
Extremely helpful and well done...I have same year and model and am going thru similar issue. Attempting this same procedure and currently on the clutch housing with one more bolt on the very bottom. Need to pick up a 1/4" socket swivel to get in there. I've pretty much decided to replace the primary and secondary at this point. I don't want to do this again!
I am glad the video helped. It is definitely not a fun or quick job. If it wasn't for the clutch replacement, I would love my Gator.
@@gaining_ground Just as a followup...looks like there are two models of primary clutches out there...AUC14433 and AM146262. The first one $300 more expensive than the second. It seems John Deere claims both are appropriate for the machine. Makes me scratch my head. Anyhow....thought I'd share for those looking at this. I ordered the AM146262 clutch hoping it does the trick. Thanks again.
All of the issues appear to be legendary on this unit. Unless these units are run flat out all the time, they just fail. At least that is what my dealer told me. I wish the sales department would relay that info before point of sale.
Same issues exactly at
There is a reason that JD doesn't make this model anymore. So many weak points on this machine. Good to hear you found a good alternate.
I have the same machine and it seems the same issue. Jerky when you first try and take off either in reverse or forward. I was hoping it was just the belt but after watching this video I’m going to assume it’s the clutch if not both the belt and clutch. I guess I’m in for a frustrating adventure doing this. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the detailed video, getting ready to change belt on a 2015 rsx 850i
You’re welcome. It’s not a fun job, hopefully the video makes it a little easier.
I have a 2012 825i. The clutch on that one shifted so hard I bent the shift lever. I sent the unit to the dealer for recall service and asked them to look at the clutch also. They said I needed a new clutch (
Yeah, so far the new clutch has been substantially better. It is lower geared which increases engine rpms and lowers the top speed from the original, but I can live with that. I hope it holds up.
Thanks for the comment!
@@gaining_ground The 825i uses the three cylinder Chery engine from China. It runs at really high rpm. I think that is where part of the problem was with the original clutch. Either way, Deere likes to make you pay for their errors.
I'm looking at buying a 2019 version of this (1100 miles on it). But after finding and watching your video, I'm rethinking this. I'm sure the 2019 has the upgraded clutch, but I don't think the clutch was the issue, I think the amount of dirt inside there was what was caused the problem (with the bearing). You'd think they'd make a better seal around the housing. Thank you for the video. It was very well done and you explained everything nicely.
Other than the clutch I really haven’t had any other issues with it. I’ve heard of electrical gremlins with them, but I haven’t experienced any. I think they are one of the best looking utvs out there. The clutch is definitely a detractor from buying one. I hope the upgraded clutch lasts, otherwise I will be getting rid of it.
Thanks for commenting.
@@gaining_ground Thank you for the response. It's a 2019 and he's asking $9900. Dunno if that's good or not. It does look sharp though. How do they handle? Our Kymco 450i is great in dirt, kinda sketchy over 40 on pavement. Don't care to go fast, but want the dump bed and a decent ride. And nowadways everything is overpriced... Our Kymco is in Indiana and we're wanting for our place in FL.
@@gregslair4278 That price doesn’t seem bad depending on the model and options (windshield, power steering, winch, etc.). Mine is an 850 which didn’t come with power steering (860 does). Mine handled great on and off road with manual steering, but at low speeds it took some arm force to turn. I added power steering and now it is fantastic at all speeds. With the new clutch it tops out around 50mph and I feel just as comfortable as if I was in a car.
I hear you on the over pricing. It is tremendously handy on the farm, which is the only way I can justify having one.
If you have any other questions I’m more than happy to share what I know.
@@gaining_ground Power steering yes, no windshield and no winch and don't know if it's wired for it (but those can be remedied) but a windshield doesn't appear to be too cheap either. I'll be back down in FL next week and will stop by and check it out (I don't think anybody is in a hurry to buy it for what he's asking). A new 4x4 Mule is around 10-11K, I think our Kymco was around $8500. I'd rather have another subcompact tractor there (more useful) and our Kubota BX23d has been great here on our whopping 3 acres (yeah, those aren't cheap either). But the wife want's another side by side..... I subscribed and will check out your other videos too. Thanks for answering me back.
Thanks for the video currently doing this on my Gator and man what a terrible design you would most definitely be screwed if your belt blew on the trail
You're welcome. It's too bad that it was designed that way, other than that I do like the machine.
Thanks for the detailed video! I have a 2018 rsx860.
What ft/lbs are the clutches torqued to?
You are welcome. Both the primary and secondary clutches are torqued to 54ft lbs. It's been a few years since I made that video. I'm not sure what I forgot to include, I apologize for not including that info. Thanks for the comment.
Great video. Thank you!
excellent video the best..
Thank you. I was looking for an in depth one and couldn’t find it, so I decided to try and make one.
I would take the skid plate off. Wouldn't it open up driveshaft and some of the other things?
Yes, it probably would. However, I don’t have a lift to get the entire machine up to work under it. You would still have to open up the top half to get to some items. No matter which way you do it, it is still more work than a person should have to do to replace a belt.
Hi I have the Same machine litterly heard a large. Bang between console. Won't go in any gear sound like some grinding or like a chain dragging wow. That was crazy I was at top speed. I'm thinking clutch. ?
That’s no good. Was that the original clutch and belt? If so, how many miles or hours did you have on it?
@@gaining_ground yeah original I don't drive it much. It doesn't move at all now. Any thoughts clutch and belt maybe .
@@thomasthompson4999 I agree with you, it’s probably the clutch or the splined shaft going into the clutch. They don’t have an air or moisture tight seal around that area, which doesn’t bode well for clutch life.
Thanks I appreciate it.
@@thomasthompson4999 You bet. If I can help answer answer any questions, just let me know.
How is it running since you did ALL THAT WORK. I have a 2019 RSX 860M that’s doing the same. It only has 138 miles. Warranty just ran out and dealer wants $1400 to replace clutch. And no guarantee how long it will last. I have heard of it only lasting couple weeks and go back to same trouble. Not happy with JD. Love the machine, when it was right.
So far so good. It is lower geared than the clutch it came from the factory with, which creates noticeably higher engine rpms and a slightly lower top speed (50mph). I think the biggest problem is the dust that gets into the clutch housing. If a guy could keep that housing clean inside I think clutches would last for a long time.
I had a clutch replaced at 150 miles...... have 700 now with no issues
After seeing this when mine needs a new belt or clutch I'm taking it to the Jad dealer. I'm not messing with it.
Yes, it is definitely a task. I don’t blame you a bit for taking it to the dealer. My dealer wouldn’t attempt it because they didn’t want to be liable.
Any chance you still had the part numbers for the clutch and the epi kit?
I do. I’m out of town right now. If you can give me a few days I will get them to you. Thanks
I was able to find the EPI kit number WE437117. As for the clutch I haven't found that number. The dealership would only sell me the current clutch available. I would go through a dealership simply because the online parts stores are not going to have the most up to date options clutch wise. I hope that helps you.
Awesome I appreciate that! Thanks.