TSC slip-clutch

phirman · Jul 10, 2003

I would like to add a slip-clutch to my shear-pin protected rotary cutter. I looked at TSC on line and they show 2 kinds. One has splined ends and the other has smooth ends. I guess it just depends which end of the PTO you want to mount it on. My question is "which way is better?" It seems to me that the one with the splined ends could be left on the tractor for use with all PTO implements. How does everyone else hook theirs up?
Thanks,
Ken.

markie61 · Jul 10, 2003

I always thought a slip-clutch was set up for and tied to the implement.....?
Mark

slowrev · Jul 10, 2003

I would tie it to the implement. Different implements might require different adjustments on the slip clutch. For example if you have a cutter with a 60 HP rated gearbox the slip clutch can be adjusted tighter than for a light tiller with a 30 HP gearbox.

RanchMan · Jul 10, 2003

2 types of clutches out there - slip clutch (which replaces what shear pins do) and over-running which essentially keeps your implement from "driving" your tractor's PTO (i.e. the tractor's PTO should "drive" the implement not vice-versa.)

Anyway, the one you want is the "smooth" one you saw. It mounts between your cutter's gear box and the PTO shaft. (don't mount it anywhere else). Real easy install - I put one on my KK 6'. Works great

Agri-supply has better prices than TSC for such clutches. Below is a link to a .PDF of their catalog - look @ page 29. You might want to double check the shaft diameter at the gear box just to make sure you get what you need.

Hope this helps.

http://www.agri-supply.com/pdfs/ASC218B-22-31.pdf

Agri-Supply

mgrick · Jul 10, 2003

I've been having trouble breaking sheer bolts on my new Woods BB60 Brush Hog.The dealer suggested putting on a slip clutch on the tractor end of the PTO.HE wants 160.00 dollars for the unit which seems kind of high after reading some of the posts here.After putting it on he said to go with a grade 5 sheer bolt which seems what I've also read on this board.At this point the brush hog is the only thing I'm running off of it.But I plan on getting a rear mount snowblower this fall and eventually a brush chipper so maybe this idea of his isn't such a good thing to do.

Rick

RanchMan · Jul 11, 2003

Yea, that's the same reason I put on the clutch - tired of braking bolts and spending the time to replace them out in the field. I'm sure glad I'm not having to mess with those shear bolts anymore - definitely a big plus. If you decide to go with one (or multiple - depending oh how many PTO implements you get), I suspect you’ll be pleased too.

From a technical perspective, I suppose one could put a slip clutch on the tractor side of the PTO shaft, but I've never seen one done that way and all the "add on" versions I've seen are designed for the implement side of the shaft - but I’m the first to admit I haven’t “seen it all” with regards to SC’s. (Not talking about the over running clutches, as they are designed to go on the tractor side.)

The slip clutch I bought said to use the G5 bolts too - I suspect whatever brand you choose will give specific instructions on the grade - but something other than 5 would surprise me.

As far as the $160, well, seems like a rip-off to me. I think that I spent something like a total of ~$65 (including shipping) to get mine. It took about 5 minutes to install - and that included of using the hacksaw to reduce the overall length of the PTO shaft. Just seems like $100 of labor for a 5 minute job is a bit on the unreasonable side - but that's just my opinion.

2003Pilot · Jul 11, 2003

mgrick:

Take a look at the info on the link from agri-supply (page 8 of the PDF). They list slip clutches for around $60.

http://www.agri-supply.com/pdfs/ASC218B-22-31.pdf

Gary

mgrick · Jul 11, 2003

Thanks for the link.Looks like something I could handle putting on.Do they tell you how much to shorten the PTO shaft after putting the slip clutch on?Or do I just measure the extra length of the unit myself and then cut the amount off the end of the PTO shaft.

Rick

Nelson · Jul 12, 2003

You guys make me nervous talking about cutting off the PTO shaft with a hacksaw. Make sure the new tractor owners know your are talking about the shaft that's in two pieces on the implement and NOT the PTO shaft that is sticking out of the tractor. YIKES!

Egon · Jul 13, 2003

That would be fun trying to cut through splined take off with a hacksaw.

I cut about 1/4 inch off of the front drive shaft spline on my B7100. Took at least 3/4 hour with a reciprocating saw and at least three blades with it held in a pipe vise.

Egon