Slip Clutch Question

RobT · Apr 21, 2006

Hello.

I have a 5' rotary cutter with a 40HP tractor and have gone through about 10 shear bolts in the 15 hours or so I've used the cutter. I want to invest in a slip clutch, but have some questions that I hope some of you can help me out on:

1. Do I buy a slip clutch for each PTO-type implement I have? That is, do I need one for the rotary cutter, one for the rototiller, etc.?

2. Are there any disadvantages of a slip clutch (other than the cost, but I'm willing to buy one now)?

Thank you for your help!
RobT

JerryG · Apr 21, 2006

1. Yes, you will need one for each implement. The clutch goes between the implement gearbox and the PTO shaft.
2. The only disadvantage that I can see is the yearly loosing up of the bolts to slip the clutch before you can use it.

beenthere · Apr 21, 2006

If that many shear bolts, I'd look at what I was cutting and why the bolts were shearing. It doesn't sound like it is the type of cutting the cutter was really designed for. What is doing it -- large stems, rocks, dirt, speed, ???

JerryG · Apr 21, 2006

When I read dirt I had to laugh. You are right that is one of the problems a lot of the time. I don't think that there is anything that will shear a pin any quicker that scalping the ground.

RobT · Apr 21, 2006

beenthere:

You are exactly right. I went through most of them because of my ignorance--starting off in high RPM, stopping and starting too much, not clearing the ground before cutting (I hit some decent size limbs), and not having the cutter aligned properly. My bad!

I now am now mowing with more caution and "smarts", or trying to at least. I appreciate the help.
robt

RobT · Apr 21, 2006

JerryG:

Thank you for the information. For some reason, I trust asking you guys about tractors more than I do sales people. You guys give me the real scoop about stuff.

Thank you!
RobT

greg_g · Apr 21, 2006

Slip clutch equipped PTO shafts are expensive, especially if you're buying more than one. You can however, buy just the clutch portion - and retrofit your existing PTO shaft(s).

But 40hp is a lot for a five footer, I had one behind my 21 hp (PTO) horsepower Jinma - didn't need a slip clutch. But when I bought a 40hp (PTO) KAMA, I had to up to a six foot slip clutch equipped IM-602.

//greg//

john_bud · Apr 22, 2006

If you want a new PTO shaft with slip clutch, this may do it for you.

PTO shaft

Price is 80 bucks. They have others too.

jb

LarryD · Apr 22, 2006

OK, it's been determined a slip clutch can be added to any implement but how would one ensure proper tension?

What I mean is how do you size the clutch to a specific tractor. It would seem to me that not all slip clutches have the same tension and not all tractors are manufactured with the same size materials.

Are they rated by PTO HP or is ther another spec I should look at to size a slip clutch PTO shaft? My new chipper is a direct connection sans shear bolt or slip clutch, has me a bit concerned. The belt drive would seem to be the weak link but with five belts /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif...That's a pretty stout connection.

QRTRHRS · Apr 22, 2006

( The only disadvantage that I can see is the yearly loosing up of the bolts to slip the clutch before you can use it.
)I took a piece of aluminum bar stock and milled up a thickness guage. When using it, I minimize the pressure and movement so as not to wear the guage.