Harbor Freight slip clutch

[jeff408]

I want to get a slip clutch and the Harbor Freight seems to be the cheepest at $60. I have a 32 hp JD and was wondering if it is any good or should I spend a little more on something else. I would like to have one that I could replace the clutch later on when needed. I would like to hear from anyone who uses one, if they are happy with it and what kind. Thanks for any replies, Jeff

[KuboB1200]

I'm thinking about a clutch, as well. But, I'm not sure if my B2100 could operate it with only 20 HP. Any way of getting a "cutout" HP for one of these things?

[CCWKen]

It appears to be adjustable so the low end HP wouldn't be much of a concern. All you need to do is loosen the spring compression. As far as replacement disks, you might give HF a call and see if you can get them. Order a couple of spares (there's two in the clutch) with the clutch. The only time the disks get used is when it slips so adjustment is critical for longevity.

[spruce Deere]

There is a thread that rares up now and again for good reason called harbor freight tools that don't suck. Or mabe it is suck, I cant member Mabe look over that........

[greg_g]

It should be just fine for your JD. The owner's manual ( http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...5999/65517.pdf ) says it's for use on ASAE3-compliant drivelines of at least 20 - but no more than 40 - PTO horsepower. Understand however, installation of this device may require shortening your current PTO shaft.

Some of Harbor Freights Chinese knock-offs are so comparatively cheap, that I buy two; one to use, another for spare parts. When their chain saw sharpener went on sale for $24 once, I bought two. Given that the more mainstream Eurocardan equivalents escalate quickly from $83 (plus freight/tax), why not just buy two from HF? Plus - those suckers are heavy, and HF shipping rates are still among the cheapest around.

//greg//

[dirt clod]

Have you considered a shear pin clutch? There cheaper? don't have to be adjusted? Don't have to worry about having loosen it after setting due to rust getting on plates and being stuck.

[greg_g]

Originally Posted by dirt clod

Have you considered a shear pin clutch?

A shear pin clutch? You might want to consider re-wording that question.

//greg//

[jeff408]

Originally Posted by dirt clod

Have you considered a shear pin clutch? There cheaper? don't have to be adjusted? Don't have to worry about having loosen it after setting due to rust getting on plates and being stuck.

If you mean just run a shear pin and dont worry about a slip clutch. I plan on running both. It already has the shear pin and while working with the tiller it really jumps around. I dont want to take chances on messing up the insides of the tractor so if I have to mess around with the slip clutch thats ok. I just ordered the Harbor Freight slip clutch so I'll see if they are any good. Thanks everyone for the replies.
Jeff

[greg_g]

Originally Posted by jeff408

I plan on running both.

Not recommended, it gives you a false sense of increased safety. If the bolt shears before the clutch slipped, you've wasted your money on the slip clutch. The bolt you select to fasten the slip clutch to the tranny input shaft should be stronger than the top rating of the slip clutch.

Yours is a 32 hp tractor, presumably you cited engine horsepower. That translates to about 28 PTO hp if it's a geared tractor, less if it's a hydrostat. It's turning a mower tranny that's likely rated for up to a 40hp input. In between is either a shear bolt, or a slip clutch. You select a shear bolt based upon the tranny input rating, in this case a SAE Grade 2 (GR5 for 80hp, GR8 for 120hp, etc). You adjust a slip clutch based upon the tractor PTO output rating. In this case, the one you selected is for between 20 and 40 PTO hp.

So now that you'll be running a properly sized clutch, you want it to slip before the bolt holding it to the tranny input shaft breaks. That means you need something stronger than a GR2. I recommend at least a metric 8.8 or a SAE grade 5. A SAE grade 8 will work too, but they're pricey. Run either a GR2 shear bolt OR a slip clutch, but not both at the same time.

//greg//

[Aggieville]

Unless you find one from a private seller or ebay, harbor freight is tough to beat on their prices.