Rotary Cutter Adjusting Slipper Clutch on Rotary Cutter

[N80]

I have purchased a used JD LX6 rotary cutter. I also have a very old JD 7' heavy duty pull-type mower (if you've followed my exploits with this mower it turns out that the problem is the slipper clutch).

The manual in the LX6 suggests that aslipper that has been sitting for a while could be seized. I've mowed for two days with it through mixed grass/brush and saplings with no problems but I haven't hit anything that would have caused the slipper to slip......yet. The manual shows you how to disassemble and reassemble it but does not tell you how to adjust it properly.

The one on the big mower is obviously slipping and needs adjustment.

How do you know when you have one adjusted properly? Is it as simply as a specific torque spec on the slipper bolts? If so, the big mower is too old to find those specs and I don't see any torque specs specific to the slipper on the LX6. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Use the Search function and search for the phrase " Slip Clutch Adjustment" in the Attachments forum. There are several discussions on the subject.

ps - I'm guessing your b-i-l calls it a "slipper" clutch, but I think the correct term is "slip" clutch. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[N80]

Thanks, I'll do the search. And yes, the correct term is 'slip clutch'. I also race nitro powered remote control trucks and they have a 'slipper clutch'. Exact same mechanism, different name.

 

[hobbyfarm]

<font color="green">This</font> is the manual available on the Deere website now for your rotary cutter,...If your slip clutch is like the one shown in the manual, It gives gaps and measurements on reassembly.
This should be the proper adjustment when reassembled.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

I think this is the online manual for the LX6. Section 45 has slip clutch service information. I think this is a better resource than the search function I pointed you to earlier.

 

[N80]

Right, the search didn't turn up much. And I've read the manual you linked to and thought the adjustment info was sparse. There is a little more in the one hobbyfarm linked to. But even with that one it seems that a gap adjustment wouldn't be sufficient but I'll disassemble mine and check it against those numbers when I put it back together.

Seems to me like there's a little bit of voodoo to this slip clutch business. I guess with the big old mower it is just a matter of trial and error. Just a matter of tightening it until there is no obvious slippage under normal use.

Edit: Those two links to manuals show two different types of slip clutches. (One is for 609662 Rotary Cutters the other is specifically for the LX6, which I'd seen already) The one with the Bellville (sp?) spring makes sense in terms of adjustment. The other one (LX6) does not. I may stop by the JD place and ask. I'll post if I do.