Setting A Slip Clutch

A slip clutch is like an insurance policy for your tractor implements. In the event that your implement seizes (due to an obstruction) or the implement is put under heavy workload, your tractors PTO will continue to spin. This can lead to irreversible damage to your implement. A slip clutch, when set properly, will engage and spin between two friction plates, taking the extra load away from the implement and thus protecting it from damage.

Each implement and tractor needs to have the slip clutch tension individually set, as each application puts your tractor and implement under a different workload.

A slip clutch does not usually come ready to use as they are not ‘one size fits all’. Having a slip clutch fully tensioned up is as good as having no slip clutch. It must ‘slip’ in order to do its job.

You need to ensure the tension on all the bolts and nuts on the slip clutch is the same. A good starting point is to tighten all of the bolts and nuts up, then undo two full revolutions on each bolt.

Engage your tractors PTO and do a test run with your implement. This could be digging a hole with a post hole digger, or cutting some grass with your slasher or flail mower. You only need to do this for a short time to be able to tell if your slip clutch needs adjusting further. If the slip clutch springs are too loose your friction plates will slip. You could notice ‘smoke’ coming from the slip clutch. If this in the case you need to adjust the bolts on the slip clutch by tightening them a further 1/2 revolution. Test again as above. Continue to do this until your slip clutch is not slipping. Your slip clutch is now adjusted correctly.

Remember having the slip clutch too tight is as good as having no clutch fitted at all.

Note: The information provided above is to be used as a guide only. Dissy Machinery takes no responsibility for any damage or injury caused to persons or equipment whilst setting a slip clutch.