Slip clutch questions

[Code54]

I have a small 4' brush hog that has the standard sheer bolt set up currently and I am thinking about adding a slip clutch. I also have another issues - the drive shaft is a wee bit short, it is fine normally but if I am backing up and letting it drop down over a slight slope the shaft has come apart. I was thinking that if I add a slip clutch it will add a little bit of length and help with this problem. Is that correct?
Also how do I know which one I need. Tractor Supply has two, one smooth shaft and one with splines, I am not sure how to install it so I also have no idea which one I should buy? How do I mount this clutch - I understand how to set the pressure just not the more basic, where does it go..
THANKS

 

[Soundguy]

As it is now your shaft is more than a wee bit too short.. it's way too short. i like 6" of overlap minimum.

get the SC that matches the input shaft of your mower.. which.. if it is shear bolt.. sounds like a smooth input shaft. typically you use a hard bolt to attach the slip clutch to the gearbox input shaft, then again with a hard bolt to attach the driveshaft yoke to the input of the SC.. make sure you exercise the SC when you get it, and then do so yearly.. the length it adds you will surely need unless the geometry of your machine is odd.

soundguy

 

[Code54]

I understand, I only have a problem if I drop it over the bank and try and get the weeds but a longer shaft would be great. I am just thinking about getting rid of the 4 footer for a 5' that comes with the new shaft instead of buying a new one and was thinking the slipper clutch maybe at least help until I get something new/better then I can transfer the slip clutch to that one. You do make a good point.
Thanks for the information and I didn't know there was smooth vs splined until I checked tractor supply after reading your post.

 

[sweettractors]

I understand, I only have a problem if I drop it over the bank and try and get the weeds but a longer shaft would be great. I am just thinking about getting rid of the 4 footer for a 5' that comes with the new shaft instead of buying a new one and was thinking the slipper clutch maybe at least help until I get something new/better then I can transfer the slip clutch to that one. You do make a good point.
Thanks for the information and I didn't know there was smooth vs splined until I checked tractor supply after reading your post.

Look at the input shaft on the cutter, If you have smooth 1/3/8 inch round. It has a shear pin and requires round to round clutch, installed with grade 8 bolts or stronger. Ken Sweet

 

[Code54]

Thanks Ken!
Do they make a PTO extender or something? The new shaft I seen around here is close to $150 and it seems an extender on the hog may work if they make something like that.
THANKS

 

[sweettractors]

Thanks Ken!
Do they make a PTO extender or something? The new shaft I seen around here is close to $150 and it seems an extender on the hog may work if they make something like that.
THANKS

I personally don't feel comfortable with the extenders. Too much extra wobble in the driveline. Ken Sweet

 

[WayneB]

I agree with Ken regarding extenders. Somewhere along the way someone must have cut the shaft to fit a certain tractor? You might be able to by a shaft section although I am not too sure of that.

If you go ahead and buy a slip clutch when you install it you will be adding around six inches to the shaft length.

I would suggest that you go out to the cutter and take a look at how the pto shaft is connected to the gear box of the cutter. You should be able to see if the shaft has splines.

Wayne

 

[dex3361]

Adding a slip clutch to get the extra length is the way I would go.

 

[greg_g]

Trade it for a new 5 footer. Matter of fact, shop for a 5 footer with a slip clutch. 30 PTO hp is plenty, and you want your RC cutting swath to be at least as wide as your rear track. And I strongly suspect that the overall rear width of an L3700 is more than 48".

FWIW, I just bought a new Kodiak 60" medium duty RC w/slip clutch for under a grand. Standard/light duty five footers are typically shear bolt protected, but should be able to work out something with the dealer on a slip clutch.

//greg//