What's up w/ this slip clutch?

   / What's up w/ this slip clutch? #1  

Bulverde

Bronze Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2001
Messages
60
Location
Bulverde, Texas
Tractor
JD 4500
What\'s up w/ this slip clutch?

I have a JD 613 shredder with a slip clutch. I only use it a few times a year. When I went to hook it up last weekend, I couldn't get the shaft to extend to the PTO. I took the whole drive shaft assembly to the JD dealer and they called saying that the slip clutch had rusted solid and bent the shaft during the last use.

The dealer said that shredders with slip clutches are designed for constant use and if I only use it occassionally, I should use a shear pin? Is this right? I live in a rocky area and don't want to have to carry a bunch of shear pins. I can't believe that someone doesn't make a slip clutch that doesn't rust solid.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
   / What's up w/ this slip clutch? #2  
Re: What\'s up w/ this slip clutch?

I haven't heard it put that way (as by your dealer) but have heard that one is supposed to release the clutch when storing by backing off the spring tension bolts. Also, one is supposed to slip the clutch before use (maybe not every time but after a long time in storage).
Your experience will cause me to back off the tension (or is it compression?) on my JD 513 before I use it next time. I have never done that, but think it is a wise move.
Do you think you will switch to a shear bolt system?
 
   / What's up w/ this slip clutch? #3  
Re: What\'s up w/ this slip clutch?

Chances are the clutch was adjusted too tight to begin with, from what everyone tells me you have two options. Keep the clutch dry when not in use or back off the clutch nuts until loose (count the turns so you can tighten them up the same the next use) when you store it. I do both, don't be surprised how little tension it takes to make the clutch engage but still slip.
 
   / What's up w/ this slip clutch?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Re: What\'s up w/ this slip clutch?

I am going to stay with the slip clutch. Rocky terrain would make shear pins an exhaustive day. The dealer did fix the clutch (and drive shaft, I guess it bent when the clutch didn't work) under warranty. I actually authorized the repairs to be done at my expense but had a no charge ticket when I picked it up. They did tell me to store the shaft and clutch out of the elements and back off the bolts when I haven't used it in a while.
 
   / What's up w/ this slip clutch? #5  
Re: What\'s up w/ this slip clutch?

The directions with my Bush Hog 6 ft mower were very detailed about the slip clutch. It would be nice to store it inside, but not able to do that yet. At the start of the season, I loosen the bolts until there is no tension and then have to engage it a few times to get it to slip. You want it to slip enough to remove any rust and not tear the pads up. Screw it back to the original position and go. Mine has worked well on my tiller and mower for quite a few years and the main reason here is very rocky soil makes a slip clutch necessary.
 
 
 
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