Slip Clutch Maintenance

Charles Billings · Sep 20, 2009

I am curious about how others maintain their PTO implement slip clutches. I have a Bondioli 2-disc adjustable slip clutch that is about 2 years old. I wanted to make sure that the clutch wasn稚吐rozen before I used it so I took it apart. I found about ｽ of the metal surfaces to be pristine, like the day they were milled. But, the rest was rusted and pitted. In this condition, there would have been no slippage. Both friction discs were intact, but both had a fracture line, which followed through and left a rust imprint on the steel plates. I have ordered two new discs. And, I have re-polished the metal surfaces, removing all but the deepest rust pits. I hope that is sufficient restoration.

These slip clutches seem to be prone to rusting, if left outside. And, if allowed to rust, they would seem to offer no PTO or implement protection.
Just wondering how others maintain their slip clutches, and how often? Or, are there better designs than the Bondioli, which are less prone to water infiltration and rusting?

greg_g · Sep 21, 2009

Mine stay outdoors 365 days a year. There's no real need to clean them to new condition. Usually they'll burn off the rust the first time they slip each spring. Your maintenance doesn't really encompass much more than making sure the discs aren't frozen. I do that at least once a year - always in the spring before the first mowing, sometimes again during a wet/humid summer. I take my Eurocardan apart to physically ensure no discs are rusted together, then reassemble with the appropriate spring tension (mine is the type that you adjust the slip point according to the the tractor's PTO horsepower).

//greg//

Deadman · Sep 21, 2009

My flail mower gets its yearly maintenance the first time I go out and hit a stump, it slips and grinds any rust off of it immediately. It sits inside all of its life, so I am not worried about rust.

Charles Billings · Sep 21, 2009

An interesting contrast between Greg G and Deadman. Is it okay not to worry and let the stump clear off the rust if it is stored inside? If outside, at least take it apart to make sure things are not fused? I think I am more trusting of the latter course, but respect what has worked for both of you.