Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch Is it too powerful for my machine??

[conifertree]

I just purchased a 48" Bush Hog Rotary Cutter. My tractor PTO is rated at 24hp. I want to use a slip clutch (a shear pin comes with the implement).

I purchased a Weasler Slip Clutch (smooth x smooth). I loosened the springs so that I can spin them with my fingers. I then attached the Bush Hog and start it up, the clutch does not slip. I opened it up to find there was NO rust.

Can that particular slip clutch be too strong for my machine? The Tractor Supply website says it is rated "for up to category 6".

 

[sweettractors]

You will need to put the cutter under a load before you can start adjusting. When it starts slipping, turn off the tractor and then start tightening down the springs until slipping stops under normal operating conditions. Ken Sweet

 

[dex3361]

You will want to mark the edge of the clutch plates for a reference as well. Tighten the bolts a little at a time all the way around. Then try it again.

 

[Fixedon66]

I purchased a Weasler Slip Clutch (smooth x smooth).

The Tractor Supply website says it is rated "for up to category 6".

I think I just bought that same slip clutch although I never saw a brand name. Mine is dark yellow with ten adjustment bolts (the website pic has 8 bolts).

Since it didn't come with instructions it is up to word of mouth to learn how to use it. (I AM new to tractor use.)

So, Conifer Did you have any luck adjusting yours? Any pointers you can pass along? Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[swmich42]

I am new to rotary motor maintenance, and adjusting a slip clutch. However, every manual I have come across, shows that tightening the appropriate nuts, (which compress the springs, allows the clutch to slip more easily, the more you tighten. In fact, Deere suggests you tighten all of these nuts all the way, mark the clutch and housing, run your mower for a few seconds, and see if the clutch actually slips. After which if successful, methodically losening each of those nuts to the point where the mower will handle the material you are cutting, without slipping.

 

[smstonypoint]

In fact, Deere suggests you tighten all of these nuts all the way, mark the clutch and housing, run your mower for a few seconds, and see if the clutch actually slips. After which if successful, methodically losening each of those nuts to the point where the mower will handle the material you are cutting, without slipping.

I don't have a Deere, but its procedure seems backwards. Typically checking the slip clutch involves (1) loosening the nuts until the clutch slips under load, and (2) retightening the nuts to specs.

Steve

 

[greg_g]

Slip Clutch Is it too powerful for my machine??

That's not usually a problem, slip clutches can usually be loosened to match lower horsepower PTOs. More often it's the other way around; somebody using a slip clutch with a max hp rating that's LESS than the tractor's PTO horsepower.

I've since sold the mower, but I had a Eurocardan Series 4 slip clutch on a 6' IM-602. It was rated for anwhere between 20 and 55 hp. If you've got one of those, then it's a matter of adjusting the spring length to match the rated PTO horsepower of your tractor. If you have less than 20 PTO hp, or if it's not a EuroCardan clutch - use this chart at your own risk.

//greg//