Overrun Clutch/Coupler Slop

[allengentry]

I bought one of the quick detach type overrun clutch/couplers from Hoye and have used it about 6 hours total with a Howse rotary cutter.

There is now a TON of slop in the clutch assembly.

As a result my pto shaft does not spin, it wobbles.

I don't like this at all.

Is this common?

I have a standard overrun clutch that is perfect, but don't use because I don't have a pole in the PTO stub for a retaining pin.

Should I return the sloppy overrun clutch to Hoye before it comes apart or takes out the PTO stub bearings? Will they exchange it?

Can I drill a hole in the PTO stub shaft for a pin and use the standard overrun coupler I already have? If I do, should I use a roll pin or solid?

I work in a machine/weld shop, so drilling and getting the right diameter pin in either style is no problem.

Thanks,

Allen

 

[tnbowhunter]

Can I drill a hole in the PTO stub shaft for a pin and use the standard overrun coupler I already have? If I do, should I use a roll pin or solid?

I work in a machine/weld shop, so drilling and getting the right diameter pin in either style is no problem.

Thanks,

Allen

I can't answer your first questions as I have no experience with the quick connect couplers.

But I see no reason if you have the skills and equipment why you couldn't drill a hole through the stub shaft and install a standard over running clutch. Mine uses a "roll pin."

 

[tallyho8]

I would be a little worried about weakening the pto shaft by drilling a hole in it.

 

[HoyeTractor]

I was also a little concerned with how much those wobble when we first got them in a few years ago. I decided to test one on my own mower and intentionally abused it but it hung in there for well over 2 years. It wobbled along perfectly until I moved and no longer had a yard big enough to park a tractor on. For the most part they seem to be fairly reliable - though I agree not nearly as reliable as the standard roll pin type clutches.

There was a problem with a badly made snap ring grove last year & at that time we desperately tried to find a source for a better unit but everyone is selling the same thing (just painted different colors and priced up to $100ea). I wish there was something better available. If there was we would offer it but I don't think you will have any problem with yours. If you do, you are welcome to return it.

Aaron
Parts@HoyeTractor.com
(940)592-0181

 

[RobJ]

Don't see any problem drilling the hole, mine has one it it already!!

I'd use a roll pin, I think thats what they come with.

 

[VT_Hokie]

Ran into the same problem with my quick disconnect. Kept having images of a pto shaft flopping around right behind me while being driven by the kinetic energy of the rotary cutter. Went to the standard with a roll pin.

 

[allengentry]

I would be a little worried about weakening the pto shaft by drilling a hole in it.

Not if you're careful.

The splines account for the rotational stresses. So you're not weakening anything there.

Just adding a .312 hole far enough from the end of the stub shaft will have no affect under normal operation as long as the implement driveshaft is the correct length.

In other words, if you bottom the implement driveshaft out before the 3-point hitch picks up the weight of the implement, then yes, you may see a failure.

However, my bet is that the roll pin would give before you snap the end of the PTO stub off. The PTO stub is at least case hardened, and you'd be hard pressed to break the remaining 1.063 of hardened shaft before the mild steel roll pin gives out. Providing that the hole is the standard distance from the end of the stub shaft.

However, anything is possible. So while not a huge concern to me, it'd be tucked away in the back of my mind.

I was also a little concerned with how much those wobble when we first got them in a few years ago. I decided to test one on my own mower and intentionally abused it but it hung in there for well over 2 years. It wobbled along perfectly until I moved and no longer had a yard big enough to park a tractor on. For the most part they seem to be fairly reliable - though I agree not nearly as reliable as the standard roll pin type clutches.

There was a problem with a badly made snap ring grove last year & at that time we desperately tried to find a source for a better unit but everyone is selling the same thing (just painted different colors and priced up to $100ea). I wish there was something better available. If there was we would offer it but I don't think you will have any problem with yours. If you do, you are welcome to return it.

Aaron
Parts@HoyeTractor.com
(940)592-0181

Well, I was going to return it. I just didn't trust it.

However, my standard overrun clutch is too long, or my PTO stub is too short. However you want to look at it.

I could drill a hole in the PTO stub, but it would be too near the end of the PTO stub to hold up to any kind of abuse. I could see breaking the stub shaft in that case. See the above concerns of tallyho8.

I could also shorten the standard clutch up in a lathe, and then drill another through hole for a roll pin in a different location, allowing me to move the hole through my PTO stub further back to where it should be. Then I would have two mounting options and 4 grease zerks instead of two.

That seems like a lot of work for a stupid little clutch.

So I took the clutch apart from you guys there at Hoye and cleaned it up and inspected it.

I can see why it wobbles. But I don't see any adverse wear nor weak points.

So I put it back together and installed it on my tractor where I will continue to use and abuse it.

I'll tear it apart every now and then and report any problems.

Thanks for standing behind your stuff.

I will still screw around with the standard clutch at my leisure so that when needed, it will already have been modified so all I need to do is drill the PTO stub, insert the pin and go.

Allen

 

[NCGMAN]

Allen Gentry:: Were you in the Air Force at Hurlburt Field, Fla.??????
Mechanic ??????

 

[allengentry]

Allen Gentry:: Were you in the Air Force at Hurlburt Field, Fla.??????
Mechanic ??????

Yes and no.

I was never in the service, however I do happen to be a licensed aircraft mechanic.

I make my living now a days as a certified welder at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren Virginia. I support the prototype weapons, weaons systems, and special vehicle division.

I like my job.

 

[phatgemi]

Interesting to see this thread. I too have had this type of problem. Back in June of 2006 I ordered this same clutch and had it fall apart within approx 5 hours of mowing (6 ft finish mower on level ground). Dealer replaced it with no problem and I used the new one up until two days ago. The replacement one blew apart also. Nothing like a flying pto shaft to excite the day. I am thinking for sure mine were of the bad design mentioned. Not sure what to do at this point. I sure need one but hate to keep buying them. Are these things made in you know where??????