Description
We are excited to present our new Agriculture PTO Shaft Clutch Friction Torque Limiter. This high-quality piece of equipment is designed for use across various industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, and mining. Weighing just 5 kg, this versatile torque limiter is an essential component for your machinery needs.
Advantages of a Friction Torque Limiter for PTO Shafts
Friction torque limiters for Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts provide several important benefits in agricultural and industrial machinery. These devices are critical for protecting equipment from torque overload by slipping when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold. Here are the key advantages:
- Equipment Protection: By limiting the maximum torque transmitted to attached implements, friction torque limiters prevent mechanical overload, safeguarding both the tractor and the implement from severe damage.
- Improved Safety: These limiters help reduce the risk of sudden mechanical failures, contributing to a safer operating environment—especially crucial in high-powered agricultural settings.
- Ease of Maintenance: Friction torque limiters are straightforward to adjust to your desired torque settings and typically involve simple maintenance procedures, making them user-friendly.
- Versatility: These torque limiters can be utilized with a wide range of implements, enhancing their versatility within various machinery applications. They are particularly effective in situations where variable loads can cause torque spikes.
- Customizable Torque Settings: The friction torque limiter can be adjusted based on specific task requirements, allowing for customization according to the implement used or the nature of the work being performed.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: By mitigating excessive torque and preventing overload situations, these friction torque limiters help prolong the lifespan of both the PTO shaft and the connected equipment.
In summary, our Agriculture PTO Shaft Clutch Friction Torque Limiter is a vital addition to your machinery, ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability in your operations.
Types of PTO Shaft Torque Limiters
Agricultural Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft torque limiters are essential safety devices that protect tractors and implements from damage due to torque overload. Various types of torque limiters are utilized in agricultural applications, each with its own mechanism and benefits. Here’s an overview of the common types:
- Friction Torque Limiters: These limiters function based on the friction between contact surfaces. When the preset torque limit is exceeded, the device slips, preventing the transfer of excessive torque. They are commonly used in mowers, balers, and other implements where sudden torque spikes may occur, and they typically allow for torque setting adjustments.
- Shear Bolt Torque Limiters: This type employs a shear bolt that breaks when the torque surpasses a specific threshold, disconnecting the drive between the tractor and the implement. Shear bolt limiters are simple, cost-effective, and suitable for a variety of implements, but they require replacing the shear bolt after activation.
- Ratchet Torque Limiters: These limiters use a ratcheting mechanism that permits rotation in one direction while locking or slipping in the opposite direction during overload conditions. They are particularly useful in applications requiring unidirectional operation, such as augers.
- Overrunning Clutch Torque Limiters: These limiters allow for free rotation in one direction while locking in the opposite direction. They also limit torque by slipping or disengaging when overloaded. Overrunning clutch limiters are commonly found in mowers and rotary cutters, where it’s important for the implement to continue spinning freely after the tractor stops.
In summary, each type of PTO shaft torque limiter offers unique advantages, making them vital components for enhancing the safety and reliability of agricultural machinery.

How Does a Friction Torque Limiter Work in Agriculture?
A friction torque limiter is an essential safety device in agricultural machinery, designed to prevent damage from torque overload in tractors and various implements. Here’s a breakdown of its functionality:
- Torque Transmission: During normal operation, torque from the tractor’s PTO is transmitted through the friction plates of the limiter to the implement, such as a mower, baler, or plow. The friction generated between the plates—created by compression springs—facilitates this torque transfer.
- Setting the Torque Limit: The maximum torque that can be transmitted is directly linked to the pressure applied by the springs on the friction plates. This pressure is adjustable, enabling operators to set a specific torque limit tailored to their needs.
- Activation During Overload: If the torque exceeds the preset limit—often due to an obstruction or overload—the friction between the plates becomes inadequate to maintain full torque transmission. Consequently, the plates begin to slip against each other.
- Slippage and Protection: This slipping mechanism effectively limits the torque delivered to the implement, protecting both the tractor’s PTO system and the implement from damage caused by excessive torque. The limiter allows just enough slippage to reduce the torque to a safe level.
- Automatic Resetting: Once the overload condition is resolved, the friction torque limiter automatically resets itself, returning to normal operation without requiring manual intervention. This feature ensures that machinery can operate continuously and efficiently.
In summary, friction torque limiters play a vital role in safeguarding agricultural equipment from torque-related damage, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
How to Install a Friction Torque Limiter on Agricultural Equipment
Installing a friction torque limiter on agricultural equipment, particularly on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft, is essential for protecting machinery from torque overload. Here’s a general guide on how to complete the installation:
- Disconnect Power: Ensure that the tractor or equipment is turned off and the PTO is disengaged. Remove the key from the ignition, and make sure the implement is properly supported and stable.
- Remove Existing Equipment: If you are replacing an old torque limiter or coupling, start by disconnecting it from the PTO shaft and the implement. This may involve removing pins, bolts, or retaining rings.
- Prepare the Friction Torque Limiter: Unpack the new torque limiter and inspect it for any shipping locks or braces that need to be removed. Apply lubricant if necessary, as some limiters may require lubrication for certain moving parts or bearings.
- Install the Torque Limiter: Align the torque limiter with the PTO shaft. It should fit between the tractor’s PTO shaft and the implement’s drive shaft. Connect the limiter to the PTO shaft, ensuring that any splines or keys are properly aligned. Secure it using the provided pins, bolts, or fasteners. Then, connect the other side of the torque limiter to the implement’s drive shaft in the same manner.
- Adjust the Torque Settings: Adjust the torque settings according to the manufacturer’s specifications and your specific requirements. This typically involves modifying the compression of the springs within the limiter.
- Test the Installation: After installation, manually rotate the PTO shaft to ensure that the limiter moves freely and is properly aligned. Start the tractor and engage the PTO at a low speed to test its operation. Pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate an improper installation.
By following these steps, you can successfully install a friction torque limiter, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your agricultural equipment.

Maintenance and Care of Friction Torque Limiters
Proper maintenance of a friction torque limiter on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft is crucial for ensuring its effective operation and longevity. These devices are essential in agricultural machinery, protecting equipment from torque overload by slipping under excessive force. Here’s a comprehensive guide for maintaining your friction torque limiter:
- Regular Inspection: Frequently examine the friction surfaces for signs of wear. Excessive wear can compromise the torque limiter’s effectiveness. Look for any damage or unusual wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment or other issues.
- Lubrication: Some friction torque limiters require periodic lubrication of their bearings. Always use the appropriate type of grease or lubricant as specified by the manufacturer.
- Adjustment and Calibration: Regularly check and adjust the torque settings according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect settings can lead to premature slippage or inadequate protection. Utilize a torque wrench or other suitable tools to ensure precise adjustments.
- Cleaning: Keep the torque limiter free from dirt, grime, and crop residue. Accumulation of debris can hinder its operation and lead to premature wear. Protect the limiter from excessive moisture and corrosive substances that could cause rust and deterioration.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not intentionally exceed the PTO shaft’s capacity, as this can lead to excessive wear or failure. Ensure that the PTO shaft is properly engaged and aligned to minimize unnecessary stress on the torque limiter.

Why Choose FMP’s PTO Shaft Friction Torque Limiter?
FMP located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang City, is strategically positioned just two hours from Pudong Airport and one hour from Xiaoshan Airport, making it easily accessible. Our facility covers over 12,000 m² and employs more than 100 staff members. We specialize in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products, including PTO shafts, agricultural gearboxes, PTO accessories, u-joints, torque limiters, and more.
With an annual turnover of 60 million RMB (approximately 9 million dollars) and steady growth, our products have gained a strong reputation among customers in Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and North America. FMP is a leading OEM supplier for many agricultural implement manufacturers in the domestic market.
We prioritize quality, prompt delivery, and competitive pricing, holding certifications such as CE, TS/16949, and ISO9001. Our systematic manufacturing equipment and dedicated quality control team ensure the highest standards of quality and timely delivery.
We warmly invite friends and partners to visit us and explore mutually beneficial, long-term cooperative relationships. Currently, our company exports products to valued customers in over 50 countries across five continents. With a commitment to excellence, FMP aims to become a global leader in its fields.
Author: CX



