Universal slip clutch

[fatchance]

Hey all,

I'm thinking about investing in one of these: Weasler Universal Friction Clutch, 1-3/8 in., 6 Spline Both Ends at Tractor Supply Co. for a few implements that blow through shear bolts (rotary mower, snowblower).

I like this one as it slips onto the output shaft of the tractor and the implement's input shaft slips on the other end so it can be used for more than one implement.

Anyone have experience using one and how would you adjust it for different implements?

Thanks.

 

[Oaktree]

I don't have that particular model, but I do have a TS clutch I bought maybe 8 years ago to put on my bush-hog and it's been fine (only other PTO implement I have is a tiller, and it already had one).
The only thing that might put me off with one like this is the fact that I had to shorten the driveshaft to compensate for the extra length of the clutch. One like this would mean having to shorten it on all implements.

Adjustment was trial and error...might be a bit of a PITA to have to re-adjust it every time you swapped implements.

 

[TractorGuy]

MEH, change the shear bolts out to grade 5 on move on. I've sheared one bolt in 5 years.

 

[ovrszd]

I don't have that particular model, but I do have a TS clutch I bought maybe 8 years ago to put on my bush-hog and it's been fine (only other PTO implement I have is a tiller, and it already had one).
The only thing that might put me off with one like this is the fact that I had to shorten the driveshaft to compensate for the extra length of the clutch. One like this would mean having to shorten it on all implements.

Adjustment was trial and error...might be a bit of a PITA to have to re-adjust it every time you swapped implements.

I agree. I think this would be a hassle. Maybe save up the pennies and buy one for each implement?

 

[WranglerX]

$199 buys alot of shear bolts....

Dale

 

[ovrszd]

There's more to a slip clutch than the cost of shear bolts. It relieves a lot of load shock on the gear box and tractor. Instead of a forceful shear to offset an overload it softens the shock and is much easier on all equipment involved.

If I had a shear bolt implement that continually ate bolts I'd certainly pay $200 to rid myself of the hassle and stress on my equipment.

I also don't like the idea of using a harder shear bolt for the reasons I described above.

 

[Tx Jim]

Adjustment was trial and error...might be a bit of a PITA to have to re-adjust it every time you swapped implements.

Technically most adjustable slip clutches need to be loosened,slipped & re-tightened to keep slip clutch operable as designed. My guess is large majority of slip clutches that haven;t been loosened are frozen solid.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Technically most adjustable slip clutches need to be loosened,slipped & re-tightened to keep slip clutch operable as designed. My guess is large majority of slip clutches that haven;t been loosened are frozen solid.

I repaired a gear box on a JD 506 rough cut mower where the slip clutch had seized. It was an expensive job for the customer.

I have a slip clutch on my rototiller. I'm glad it's there. My 506 rough cut mower has the sheer bolt setup. I don't sheer it often enough to warrant buying a slip clutch.

Instead of shortening every pto shaft to work with the slip clutch I would purchase a quicktach.

 

[fatchance]

MEH, change the shear bolts out to grade 5 on move on. I've sheared one bolt in 5 years.

Yeah that's a bad suggestion. The equipment is engineered for a bolt with a specific hardness if you put too hard of a bolt in then it won't shear when it's supposed to and that force will be transferred somewhere else, which will cost a lot more than a bolt or a slip clutch.

They both ask for grade 5 bolts right now anyhow and there is no way I'm putting a grade 8 in there.

 

[fatchance]

Two might make more sense. The two implements are used at different times of year and don't overlap but the adjustment might not be worth it.

Thanks.

 

[TractorGuy]

MEH, change the shear bolts out to grade 5 on move on. I've sheared one bolt in 5 years.

Yeah that's a bad suggestion. The equipment is engineered for a bolt with a specific hardness if you put too hard of a bolt in then it won't shear when it's supposed to and that force will be transferred somewhere else, which will cost a lot more than a bolt or a slip clutch.

They both ask for grade 5 bolts right now anyhow and there is no way I'm putting a grade 8 in there.

Something else is wrong then. Under normal operation you shouldn't be shearing bolts that often.

Bush Hog use to spec grade 2 bolts and people would shear them on some tractors from the force of engaging the PTO. It was common practice to move to grade 5 and probably why your equipment now specs the harder grade.

 

[jonsstihl]

i would skip the slip clutch on the snowblower. too much moisture and salt in the operating environment but it is probably a good idea on the mower.

 

[3gunr]

Look at georgia equipment co they have them for alot less . i bought one for my tiller 2 yrs ago and it is good quality.