ACEBRI PTO Clutch for John Deere ST30 STX38, LX172 LX173 LX176, LX178 LX186 LX188 108 111 116 130 160 165 175 AM115090 AM118969 AM122969 AM119971 AM123038, Clutch 112-L PTO Clutch

What It Is

The ACEBRI PTO clutch is an electric engagement clutch that drives your mower blades when activated. It replaces the factory clutch on select John Deere lawn tractors, primarily those with 38-inch or smaller decks and 12.5–17 hp engines.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower’s model and deck size. This clutch is listed for:

• John Deere ST30, STX38, LX172, LX173, LX176, LX178, LX186, LX188
• John Deere 108, 111, 116, 130, 160, 165, 175

It replaces OEM part numbers AM115090, AM118969, AM122969, AM119971, AM123038 (also known as clutch 112-L). Measure your existing clutch’s bolt pattern (typically 3-bolt, 4.25-inch center-to-center) and shaft diameter (1-inch). Verify the electrical connector matches your machine’s harness – some models use a two-pin flat connector, others a round Weather Pack. If your mower has a 42-inch or larger deck, this clutch will likely be undersized.

Key Things to Buy

• Quality: At $115, this is a budget aftermarket option. Reviews suggest it works, but some users report shorter lifespan than OEM (2–3 seasons vs. 5+).
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a puller to remove the old clutch from the crankshaft, plus a torque wrench to tighten the center bolt to spec (typically 35–45 ft-lbs). Expect 1–2 hours.
• Common gotchas: The clutch may require a 0.020–0.030-inch air gap adjustment after installation. If blades drag or won’t engage, check the gap first. Also, the supplied hardware might not match your mower – keep your original bolts.
• Wiring: Polarity doesn’t matter (it’s a simple electromagnet), but a corroded connector can cause intermittent engagement. Clean terminals with dielectric grease.

Should You Buy It

If you’re on a tight budget and need a quick fix for a smaller John Deere, this clutch will get you mowing. But if you rely on your tractor for heavy commercial use or want OEM longevity, spend $170–$220 on a genuine John Deere or Stens clutch. For occasional homeowner use, the ACEBRI is a reasonable gamble.