expect that PTO assy inner brg is failing and intermittently seizing, thus breaking the bracket.

That is what I thought with the old clutch, so I replaced it and the bracket . But the issue continued.

If not the brg, then look into the fastening method where the bracket is asm to the frame/engine for stabilization. If that point is working loose, then bracket could spin...

Some mowers use a strong spring to hold the clutch against the anchor and keep it from flopping back and forth damaging the anchor.

Walt Conner

OP - recheck your machine's model #that you noted above - Sears doesn't recognize it.

Bracket is attached by one large bolt and it is secure.

A spring to hold would be a great idea but the unit does not have one and the parts manual does not list one. Having said that, if it broke and fell off I wouldn't now and the manual may have missed that part. I will try to discover if there ever was one......... Thanks for the suggestion.

This is the model 944.606081 it's on the unit and the manual.

I have investigated the spring idea and cannot find any reference to it having one anywhere, I also contacted my local repair location and they have not seen a PTO having a spring attached. I think its a good idea to keep the stationary plate snug against the bracket to prevent wear. Still not a fix though, Thanks for the suggestion. I still have the problem.

Just taking a guess here. Is the clutch tight on the engine shaft?

Conventional wisdom usually will say that the clutch itself / or installation is blame. Bolt torque which is too loose or too tight can damage the bearings. Starting here, with the park brake set and the machine running- is the clutch hunting back and forth? Or if you look at the head of the mount bolt- is it running elliptical at all indicating a tweaked crank shaft? Then have an assistant on the seat and run the deck while you look at the clutch and the belt. If a belt has burned edges- It can shake a clutch bad enough to damage the bracket. Report back what you find.

I know the bolt torque is correct. I have taken a look at the belt and it looks good but I'll take it off to look at all of it. I will check the rest of your suggestions in the coming weeks. When I pull the unit out of storage to prepare it for the cutting season. Thanks for your suggestions, I will get back when I check.

Hi There, Was there a solution to this issue? I am having the same issue on a Toro Mx6000 with a brand new clutch. My mower does have a very small wobble in the hydraulic pulley above the clutch so could this be causing the vibration to the clutch?