Are the blades of your Honda HT3813 not spinning anymore, even though the deck and belt are in good shape? It may be time to replace the PTO clutch. This repair is more complex than most maintenance tasks, but it’s still within the means of the home mechanic.

Where is the Clutch?

Unlike most small lawn tractors, the HT3813 uses a horizontal shaft engine. The blades are driven by a belt that travels from the pulley on the deck, bending at a 90 degree angle to reach the drive pulley mounted at the front of the shaft. The front of the PTO clutch is mounted on the drive pulley and the friction plate is mounted directly behind the pulley on the engine shaft. The radiator fan and radiator are mounted directly in front of the pulley and must be removed for access to the clutch. Continue reading →