Rotary Cutter Can You ID this slip clutch & tell me how it works?

[Rford]

Let me acknowledge up front that I am not competent to be running power equipment, but a friend has a MF 231 with what I think is an older Howse rotory mower on it and I've been asked me to mow the weeds. So I'm learning. The first thing I realized is that the mower's slip clutch was shot. So I took it apart and have ordered the 2 fiber clutch disks. But here's my question. On every picture I've seen of a slip clutch, (I can't find a photo of the Howse one I have) it shows the pieces bolted together with springs. I understand how that system works. This unit has three slightly concave "plates" in addition to everything else it needs to function, so I'm thinking these plates are in lieu of the springs. I am going to attach a photo. Hope it helps. The first shows the whole unit. In the second I've taken it apart partially. The three plates are shown, one is leaning against the unit to show it has a "bow" which to me means it is acting as a spring. Why 3 of them, no idea. Maybe you use one for lmore slip, two for less, three for least?

My question is whether this is a complete unit or am I missing the springs? And does anyone know if this is a std. Howse unit. The mower doesn't have a serial number plate. ANY information or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[sweettractors]

"This unit has three slightly concave "plates" in addition to everything else it needs to function, so I'm thinking these plates are in lieu of the springs."


Those are the bellville springs. You loosen or tighten the big nut in back of the concave springs to get the correct tension. It is Howse, usually found on 7 ft or 10 ft models. There should be a TL yoke that fastens to the 4 bolts. that would be the shaft that heads toward the tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[mooseracing]

Looks like the slip clutch on my Ford 901 rotary mower. The concave or bellevue (sp) shape is what give the preload.

I can't get the nut unfroze on mine to adjust so I am just replacing it with a new slip clutch with the springs.

 

[sweettractors]

These clutches have a set screw in the nut (behind the spring washers) and usually require a hammer and punch to back them off and to re tighten. Ken Sweet

 

[mooseracing]

Yep, I busted that "wing" off of the nut after accidently hitting it instead of the others. The set screw is out, I have heated it up with oxy/acty, and soaking in oil.

 

[sweettractors]

Yep, I busted that "wing" off of the nut after accidently hitting it instead of the others. The set screw is out, I have heated it up with oxy/acty, and soaking in oil.

Be careful, If you get heat on those spring washers, it will take the temper out of them. Ken Sweet

 

[Willl]

Moose, any thoughts on replacing it with new clutch ?

 

[Rford]

Thank you very much for the information. I am grateful.

Bob Ford

 

[mooseracing]

Moose, any thoughts on replacing it with new clutch ?

I am just hoping everything is the same. I found a new one online for 80+ shipping which puts it lower than the same one at TSC.

It's 6 splines so I am assuming a new one will work. Plus I think I would like the adjustability of the bolts, mines going to live inside the barn anyway.

I need to pick up a culvert as well, so a trip to TSC is unavoidable. Now if a paycheck with a couple extra 0's to the right would show up.

 

[hd5]

I know this is a real old thread, but my uncle has a 10' howse with the same clutch on it. He told me I could use it if I fixed the clutch.

I have it all apart and have new clutch plates. What I am not sure about it how close those L shaped pieces on the one plate are to the hexagonal plate that has the bolt holes in it.

He must have hit something hard and bent those L's upward and away from the other plate. I have a torch and think I can heat and bend them back. I am not sure what their purpose is. I just know they aren't where they once were.



Thanks