Batwing slip clutch adjustment

[dejswa]

I have some general ideas about this but I am somewhat new to using pto mowers. I recently acquired an older JD 15' batwing mower model 1508. I just got through twisting a side shaft and replacing it and I don't want the expense and down time of that again.

FYI I am cutting pasture consisting of grass, but also have lots of nasty and large thorny locust trees to cut down. I will be pulling it with a Kubota 8540 85HP tractor.

My mistake that I never adjusted the clutches and broke a side shaft hitting a chunk of concrete.

So, what is the sequence for adjusting the 3 clutches? I have read some of the threads here re protecting the tractor as well as the implement. With the rating of the mower and tractor, if I protect the implement from damage, it should protect the mower and I don't have a question about that. (there is considerable discussion about this.)

I don't think there is any calibration on the clutches that I can read so I would presume it must be done by trial and error as below.

Here is what I would propose to do:

1) Loosen both side clutches. Tighten main clutch.
2) Tighten one side clutch gradually while cutting in heavy brush until slippage stops. (How much more to tighten?)
3) Repeat with other side.
4) Loosen main clutch until slipping.
5) Tighten main gradually while cutting in heavy brush until slippage stops.

It would be better to actually be able to either measure or set the torque but I don't think I can do that with my mower.

What do you think? Suggestions?

Thanks for reading!!

 

[sweettractors]

That sounds like a logical plan. Better to be a little loose that too tight. I would do a reset procedure on a clutch setup at least once a year and some companies suggest 2 times a year. They tend to freeze up with rain and condensation coming into play. Ken Sweet

 

[Egon]

surely sounds like a plan!:thumbsup:

When you touch them clutches to see if they are warm slap them or spit on the fingers first. Just plain sticking your finger on a hot one will make for an Ouch!

 

[dejswa]

What is a clutch reset?

Loosen until it slips then tighten?

second question: should clutch run 'cool' in 'normal' operation, indicating no slippage?

 

[Egon]

Loosen until it slips then tighten?

second question: should clutch run 'cool' in 'normal' operation, indicating no slippage?

Yes and yes!

 

[beenthere]

My approach would be different.
I'd first adjust the side clutches downstream from the main clutch. Once each of them are set to slip when overloaded, then I'd adjust the main clutch to just handle the load of the two side clutches (and its own blade if that is the case).

As I understand, measurements are used to make sure each of the clutch bolts are drawn up equally (or near to equal).

I'm understanding a reset is to loosen all the bolts/nuts equal turns out and back. Getting the plates to slip between out and back. That repositions the clutch in the same setting as previous. I haven't been doing it that way, but will take it as good advice for the future. Thanks sweet.

 

[SPYDERLK]

My approach would be different.
I'd first adjust the side clutches downstream from the main clutch. Once each of them are set to slip when overloaded, then I'd adjust the main clutch to just handle the load of the two side clutches (and its own blade if that is the case).

Thats what the procedure the OP proposed would accomplish.
larry

 

[dejswa]

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, adjust the clutches downstream then the main one. And thanks re. clutches remaining cool. I guess that if they are hot, then either:

clutch is too loose
brush is too thick or maybe moving tractor too fast
clutch is worn out

DJ