slip clutch

Deerlope · Aug 19, 2009

I have a Bush Hog SQ172 and when I bought it the dealer recommend against getting a slip clutch model. He said there could be problems with ths disk after it sits for a few months. Now I want to add a clutch after shearing 8 pins in the last 2 days. Has anyone ever done this? Does it require any machine work or welding?

bjr · Aug 19, 2009

Harbor Freight has one for $60 that should just slip on over a six spline shaft and the standard 6 spline yoke would go over that. The PTO drive line might have to be shortened after the clutch was added, maybe. Agri-Supply sells different shaft styles slip clutches, but, are a little more money. bjr

MikeD74T · Aug 19, 2009

Deerlope, I'd certainly be leary of that dealers advise in the future. He may know sales but he doesn't know equipment.
I use a tractor mount slip clutch & highly recommend it's use. If you haven't already done so, search for clutch adjustments, it's been well posted. MikeD74T

MMagis · Aug 19, 2009

If slip clutches were the only way, there wouldn’t be mowers made without them. Fact is, shear bolts have their place. And a mower that is going to sit for long periods of time is a good example, just like the dealer suggested. I have to question what is happening that caused you to shear 8 pins in two days. Either you have a lot of hidden objects in the weeds, or your bolts are too soft.

Soundguy · Aug 19, 2009

MikeD74T said:
Deerlope, I'd certainly be leary of that dealers advise in the future. He may know sales but he doesn't know equipment.
I use a tractor mount slip clutch & highly recommend it's use. If you haven't already done so, search for clutch adjustments, it's been well posted. MikeD74T

I agree.. a slip clutch is an UPGRADE to a shear bolt.

a properly maintained SC is a nice piece of work.

soundguy

N80 · Aug 19, 2009

Yep, I wouldn't have a rotary cutter without one. Do they require maintenance? Sure. Every few months? No. Maybe once or twice a year. Takes about 15 minutes at the most.

Deerlope · Aug 19, 2009

MMagis said:
If slip clutches were the only way, there wouldn稚 be mowers made without them. Fact is, shear bolts have their place. And a mower that is going to sit for long periods of time is a good example, just like the dealer suggested. I have to question what is happening that caused you to shear 8 pins in two days. Either you have a lot of hidden objects in the weeds, or your bolts are too soft.

When I back into a bush of honey suckle beleive me there is a lot of hidden rocks in there. Then there is that area where I thought I would remember where I cut the trees very close to the ground.

Soundguy · Aug 20, 2009

sounds like the place for a slip clutch!

soundguy

MMagis · Aug 20, 2009

I agree, it certain sounds like you should have a slip clutch. Again, in your dealers defense, a slip clutch isn't the perfect choice for some owners and/or situations. He was wrong this time, but one mistake doesn't automatically make someone an idiot, as was suggested.

jimgerken · Aug 20, 2009

I had the same issue. I bought a Woods 60 inch BrushBull Extreme, and it was shear pinned. Six bolts one day made me start to look around. The dealer wanted $235 for a woods shaft replacement including a slip clutch. Instead I bought the slip clutch add-on from Agri supply. It bolts (with grade eight) to the gearbox input shaft, and accepts the Woods stock pto shaft input, with another gd 8 bolt. No more shearing and I use it very hard at times, in the dirt. It slips and then comes right back up to speed.

Here's the one I bought, and it fit perfectly...
SLIP CLUTCH W/1 3/8SMF M X1 3/8SMOOTH FE - Agri Supply

They have other configurations of it, in case you dont have a 1 3/8 smooth input shaft on your gearbox.