PTO Thingamajig. Any body know what it is?

[mjw357]

Looks like a friction clutch to me.

Clutches - Weasler Engineering, Inc.Weasler Engineering, Inc.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't think it sips in the sense that you're thinking. I think that when the flywheel --let's say a baler--begins to "drive" the PTO on the tractor, this thing slips. In addition, when you turn the tractor PTO off, the things slips so the baler flywheel doesn't drive the tractor. I think that's what made the clicking sound when I shut off my baler and the flywheel kept turning but the tractor PTO did not. It just free-wheeled. I'm not positive but pretty sure I have this right

I agree, it is not a friction slip clutch like is found on bush hogs and tillers. I think it only slips in one direction and it will make a popping noise as the chipper winds down. I think if you take it apart you will find a spring loaded sloping ramp down to a 90 degree cog that engages positively in the power on position but allows the chipper to wind down while the tractor PTO is stopped turning. These things are common on the old square balers that have a big inertia flywheel.

 

[TerryR]

Looks like a friction clutch to me.

Clutches - Weasler Engineering, Inc.Weasler Engineering, Inc.

The OP's photo is an exact match for the M-Type friction clutch on this website. The manufacturer says about it:

" The friction clutch is the only torque limiter that has the
ability to continuously transmit power (at a reduced
level) while overloaded. This is valuable during start
up of high inertia machines, as well as for leveling out
torsional fluctuations due to high cyclic loads. The
TorQmaster patented technology dissipates heat
quickly, improving durability while protecting the
machine."

So it's for starting a heavy load, not as an over-riding clutch to keep the flywheel from driving the tractor through the PTO.

 

[N80]

Still don't know why it is causing his tractor to bog down. There has to be something else doing that.

 

[PJ The Kid]

Its used as a type of torque dampener, it shouldnt cause the tractor to bog down, It is meant to keep from loadshocking the pto driveline.

 

[N80]

That's what I'm saying. The OP said it was bogging his 70 hp tractor down. It would have to be the implement doing that, not this device.

On a side note, I love the PTO on my little 45 hp tractor. Hydraulic clutch activation with a lever. Insulates against shock loads and operates independently of the drive gears and clutch.

 

[jenkinsph]

If the chipper and flywheel are big enough that would bog the tractor down. I would take the clutch apart and inspect it.

 

[spokane 1]

its a friction clutch.....its used to replace shear pins..if the chipper drum becomes stuck it will not break the engine crank when it comes to a dead stop.

 

[redman135]

I think spokane1 is right.
If you open the clutch up be careful as any springs will will escape FAST.

 

[N80]

I'm not sure why he needs to take it apart. There is no indication that it isn't functioning properly. As mentioned, if the tractor is bogging down it is the chipper/flywheel, not the slip clutch. The clutch has nothing to do with the load of running the implement, only shock loads. So unless the OP is worried that it isn't slipping then there is no need to take it apart.