Slip clutch maintenance question

[LHS Inc]

I checked out the slip clutch on my Frontier RC1060 and the KK II 60" tiller over the wkend to make sure they slipped and werent locked up.
The tiller is new and the cutter is used but in very good shape.

I loosened up the bolts on both units, chocked the blade on the cutter and blocked the knives on the tiller. I stuck a screwdriver in the end shaft taking care in not hitting the grease fitting and the shafts turned with some but not too much force. Tried just to turn it by hand without the screwdriver and couldn't do it.

The slip clutch on the RC doesn't have any springs just a gap that according to the manuel needs to be set at 4 mm. The KK II is a Eurocardin clutch with springs set at 28 mm according to their chart for a 30 hp pto. I didn't mark the plates to see if they moved but the shaft turned on both units without engaging the gearboxes.

Is this enough to make sure they are ok for operation or do I need to hook them up to the tractor and smoke 'em. Is it possible that they will turn and not move the plates?
I've learned alot here on TBN about how they work but this is my first hands on experience with one.
Thanks

 

[Don87]

Personally, I would hook it up to the tractor, and slip them a little just before operating them. Then readjust according to the manual.

 

[bullbreaker]

Check out this pdf scroll down to page #20 and see if that helps also.

Boone

http://www.bushhog.com/images/stories/documents/manuals/Squealer.pdf

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I checked out the slip clutch on my Frontier RC1060 and the KK II 60" tiller over the wkend to make sure they slipped and werent locked up.
The tiller is new and the cutter is used but in very good shape.

I loosened up the bolts on both units, chocked the blade on the cutter and blocked the knives on the tiller. I stuck a screwdriver in the end shaft taking care in not hitting the grease fitting and the shafts turned with some but not too much force. Tried just to turn it by hand without the screwdriver and couldn't do it.

The slip clutch on the RC doesn't have any springs just a gap that according to the manuel needs to be set at 4 mm. The KK II is a Eurocardin clutch with springs set at 28 mm according to their chart for a 30 hp pto. I didn't mark the plates to see if they moved but the shaft turned on both units without engaging the gearboxes.

Is this enough to make sure they are ok for operation or do I need to hook them up to the tractor and smoke 'em. Is it possible that they will turn and not move the plates?
I've learned alot here on TBN about how they work but this is my first hands on experience with one.
Thanks

Do you have the operating manual? My Land pride unit manual goves detailed info on the clutch adjustment. If loosening doesn't free up the discs you need disassenble, clean, reassenble and adjust to spec. It works.



Ron

 

[Baby Grand]

Slipping them via the tractor PTO will clean up any light corrosion on the friction surfaces and expose fresh metal. It's never too late to mark the plates with a Sharpie!

 

[greg_g]

Is this enough to make sure they are ok for operation or do I need to hook them up to the tractor and smoke 'em.

It's good to see someone who actually reads the owner manuals. I have had a few of the Eurocardan clutches. When set by the book, there's no need for the smoke test. But when set per the book - and they slip in the field - that's not a sign to tighten the springs some more. It's a sign to replace the friction discs.

The other type you describe uses one or more Belleville springs. But I suspect the same rationale applies. Tightening them more than the prescribed 4mm will likely damage the spring. Once it starts slipping at the prescribed setting, replace the friction disc(s).

//greg//