Old FMC Sidewinder bush hog slip clutch

[devodad]

Is anyone out there familiar with how to slip this clutch? It's in an old FMC Sidewinder bush hog. The unit seems to be in pretty good shape but when I get into thick grass it just won't cut. I have to stop, raid it up and put it back down many times. I think the clutch is slipping and needs something done to it; I just don't know what. I can't find a similar clutch on you tube. This one has a large nut behind it that I think could be used to tighten and loosen it. I just don't want to mess it up even worse without first checking with someone who might be familiar with it. If I loosen it to slip it good, how tight should it be re-tightened? I'm not even sure if that's how you slip this clutch. I'm attaching a couple of pictures of it so you can see what I mean. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Yes that nut on the back is how you apply tension on the clutch plates. If it will not turn you may need to remove the clutch pack and disassemble it to get it in working order.

Try here for parts and such.

AllPartsStore: Search results for

 

[devodad]

Yes that nut on the back is how you apply tension on the clutch plates. If it will not turn you may need to remove the clutch pack and disassemble it to get it in working order.

Try here for parts and such.

AllPartsStore: Search results for

Thank you. I tried that big nut a little bit before I posted and it does turn. I didn't want to mess with it until I knew for sure. Thanks for your reply and thanks for the link. I just gotta figure out if that's why it won't cut deep stuff or if it's something else. Do you have any ideas on how tight it should be? If not that's ok. I'll start tinkering with it. Thanks again.

 

[countrybumpkin]

No I don't know the recommended torq, I just painted some lines on mine so I could tell if it moved or not while using, I just righted it down till it cut whiteout slipping.

 

[pcbauer]

I see that it has been about a year since last post but may help others. I have a FMC Sidewinder GB-722 with same style clutch. Have same issue as person that posted original message. Disassembled clutch (See photo attachment) cleaned and installed new friction discs that I obtained through the internet. To disassemble back off the clutch tension nut completely, then remove the four (4) bolts holding the yoke to the clutch system. Under the old grease you should find a C clip on the end of the spline shaft from the cutter gear box. Remove. Then either slide clutch assembly off shaft or you may have to tap on alternating sides of clutch assembly to work of shaft. Cleaned spline shaft and assembly. Cleaned metal clutch faces with brake cleaner and reassembled with the two new friction disks. On the photo from the original post it appears that the spring disk that the large tension nut screws down on is broken. It should be a complete piece as seen in photo of my set. Sharpened blades. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Plan on painting upper deck when warm enough. Hope this helps.

 

[devodad]

Wow! I see it now. Thanks a bunch man, I appreciate your post. I’m fairly new to clutch cutters. I bought this one last year and thought I got a decent deal on it (not knowing much about clutch machines) but after last season I was beginning to think it was junk because I can’t find parts for it except for blades.. Do you have an idea of a web site where I could get parts like that spring disk and new pads? I’ve been to a bunch of places on line and can’t find anything for it. If I can fix it it’s a pretty stout cutter with heavy duty thick blades

 

[japody]

This is the go to place for sidewinder parts:

Hercules Service Parts - Agricultural equipment repair located in Minden, Louisiana - Your Rotary Mower Experts!

 

[pcbauer]

Google search took me to Amazon. A third party called 'Agcon supply' had the slip clutch disc for the gb-722 available. Since ours appear to be the same they will probably work for yours. Your risk. The link japody provides shows a clutch assembly similar with what looks like a comparable spring and slip clutch discs. Maybe give them a call or email and see if they can provide a spring for yours. I'm glad the earlier post was helpful. Yours sure helped me to get started. Make sure to check the lub in the gear box. Mine was pretty low. Thanks.

 

[pcbauer]

You may also try Madison tractor company. Check 'Hay tool parts' then on side list 'Sidewinder' they list a replacement spring that may fit as well.

 

[devodad]

Google search took me to Amazon. A third party called 'Agcon supply' had the slip clutch disc for the gb-722 available. Since ours appear to be the same they will probably work for yours. Your risk. The link japody provides shows a clutch assembly similar with what looks like a comparable spring and slip clutch discs. Maybe give them a call or email and see if they can provide a spring for yours. I'm glad the earlier post was helpful. Yours sure helped me to get started. Make sure to check the lub in the gear box. Mine was pretty low. Thanks.

Thank you! I was able to order one from the link japody sent. Also ordered a new set of blades. Should be here early next week. I’ll probably b wrestling with that all week. LOL
Gearbox oil is full but looks a little milky so I’m changing that too.