Knowing When PTO Clutch Is Slipping

[Grizzo]

I've burnt a few PTO clutches recently slashing extra tough grass. The main reason for the burning up is not realizing soon enough that grass is not being cut and the clutch is slipping. Sometimes I don't notice until about 5 -10 seconds of slipping. If I would lift the slasher or stop the PTO as soon as slipping starts, there would be minimal wear and heat.

Its not practical or comfortable to be 100% turned around and watching the cutting, so I was wondering if there are any tips to detect clutch slip while looking forward? Looking in the mirror, it's not easy to spot the grass not being cut and engine/ rotation sound doesn't really change either.

They should make some kind of warning system.

 

[D2Cat]

I've burnt a few PTO clutches recently slashing extra tough grass. The main reason for the burning up is not realizing soon enough that grass is not being cut and the clutch is slipping. Sometimes I don't notice until about 5 -10 seconds of slipping. If I would lift the slasher or stop the PTO as soon as slipping starts, there would be minimal wear and heat.

Its not practical or comfortable to be 100% turned around and watching the cutting, so I was wondering if there are any tips to detect clutch slip while looking forward? Looking in the mirror, it's not easy to spot the grass not being cut and engine/ rotation sound doesn't really change either.

They should make some kind of warning system.

5-10 seconds of slipping is not hurting your clutch disc. After those few seconds after you detect the slipping tighten up the nuts on the bolts a half of a turn and go on.

 

[Roadworthy]

You may be able to rig some kind of non contact tachometer or pulse counter on the PTO shaft. A drop in RPM or pulses would indicate slippage.

 

[UpNorthMI]

Pto slip clutch disks are cheap, as are shear bolts, make sure you do not tighten the slip clutch too much as you may damage your tractor or cutter. Sounds as if you may need to slow down a little when cutting heavier stuff.

 

[BigG]

The clutch is out of adjustment. There should be a noticeable change in the engine as the mower loads up. This should give you notice to either slow down, lift the mower or stop and let the mower clear itself. Watch your tachometer it will also give you a clue the mower is loading up.