Clutch is hard...why?

It could be possible that one or all of the clevis have corroded up where each angle of the clutch rod makes a bend. Also if the person that adjusted the clutch adjusted the linkage they could have turned a warped washer around and that would cause the linkage to be tight at that point. I would start at the first connection right by the air cleaner where the clutch rod comes out of cab and work my way down.

 

+1. Just a little sticky I bet. Seems to me if it was something the shop did he would have noticed on the way back to the yard. Maybe with 6 months off your leg got weak.

 

I'd say start cheap and easy. Verify linkages aren't binding and that the cross shaft is lubricated and moving freely within the free travel range. Can also remove inspection cover and see if there are any clutch parts sitting in the bottom of the bell housing.

 

What make, model, and year is it?