Description
Meet the FFV1 TTV2 Friction Clutch, a 200MM Torque Limiter designed for your PTO drive shaft. This innovative product is ideal for a variety of industries, including hotels, garment shops, building material suppliers, manufacturing plants, machinery repair shops, food and beverage factories, farms, and restaurants. Weighing in at 5 kg, it comes with a one-year warranty for added assurance.
This standard product type includes video outgoing inspection and a machinery test report. Available in yellow, it features either 2 or 4 discs and comes in diameters of 200 mm or 180 mm, accommodating PTOs with a power range of 10 to 130 horsepower. Additionally, it holds ISO and CE certifications, ensuring its high quality and reliability.
Advantages of a Friction Torque Limiter for a PTO Shaft
Friction torque limiters for Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts in agricultural and industrial machinery provide several significant benefits by protecting equipment from torque overload through a slipping mechanism when torque exceeds a preset level. Here are the key advantages:
- Equipment Protection: By capping the maximum torque transmitted to the implement, friction torque limiters help prevent mechanical overload, which can lead to serious damage to both the tractor and the implement.
- Enhanced Safety: These devices reduce the risk of sudden mechanical failures, contributing to a safer working environment, particularly in high-powered agricultural settings.
- Ease of Maintenance: Friction torque limiters are easy to adjust for the desired torque settings and typically feature straightforward maintenance procedures, making them user-friendly.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of implements, these limiters are adaptable components in machinery. They are especially effective in applications where variable loads may cause torque spikes.
- Customizable Torque Settings: The torque limiter can be tailored to meet specific task requirements, allowing for adjustments based on the implement used or the nature of the work.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: By alleviating excessive torque and preventing overload conditions, these friction torque limiters help prolong the lifespan of both the PTO shaft and the attached equipment.
Applications of the Friction Torque Limiter
Friction torque limiters are critical safety devices in agricultural machinery, designed to protect equipment by controlling the torque transmitted from the tractor to the implement. They are essential in various types of farm equipment, preventing damage caused by torque overload. Here are some key applications:
- Rotary Cutters and Mowers: These limiters safeguard the gearboxes and blades by preventing damage when encountering obstacles such as rocks or thick brush.
- Balers: They help ensure that balers, especially round balers, do not become overloaded during the processing of large quantities of material, which can lead to jams or mechanical failures.
- Tillage Equipment: Used in plows, harrows, and cultivators, friction torque limiters protect against damage from hitting hard objects or overly compacted soil.
- Seeders and Planters: These devices prevent damage from clogs or rough terrain, promoting consistent operation and accurate seed placement.
- Harvesting Equipment: In combines and forage harvesters, friction torque limiters protect the driveline from overload damage during intense harvesting activities.
- Feed Mixers and Manure Spreaders: They help prevent torque overload in the drivelines of feed mixers and manure spreaders, especially during uneven loads or blockages.
Types of PTO Shaft Torque Limiters
PTO shaft torque limiters are vital safety devices that protect tractors and implements from torque overload damage. Various types are utilized in agricultural settings, each featuring unique mechanisms and benefits. Here’s an overview of common types:
- Friction Torque Limiters: These operate based on friction between contact surfaces. When the preset torque limit is exceeded, the device slips, preventing excessive torque transfer. They are commonly used in mowers, balers, and other implements prone to sudden torque spikes and typically allow for adjustable torque settings.
- Shear Bolt Torque Limiters: These devices use a shear bolt that breaks when torque exceeds a specific threshold, disconnecting the drive between the tractor and the implement. They are simple, cost-effective, and used across various implements, but require the shear bolt to be replaced after activation.
- Ratchet Torque Limiters: Featuring a ratcheting mechanism, these allow for rotation in one direction while locking or slipping in the opposite direction when overloaded. They are particularly useful in applications that require unidirectional operation, such as augers.
- Overrunning Clutch Torque Limiters: These limiters permit free rotation in one direction while locking in the opposite direction. They also limit torque by slipping or disengaging when overloaded, making them common in mowers and rotary cutters where the implement needs to continue spinning freely after the tractor stops.
How Does a Friction Torque Limiter Work in Agricultural Applications?
A friction torque limiter is an essential safety device used in agricultural machinery, such as tractors and implements. Its primary function is to prevent damage caused by excessive torque. Here’s a breakdown of its operation:
Torque Transmission
During regular use, the torque generated by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO) is transmitted through friction plates within the limiter to the implement (e.g., mower, baler, or plow). The friction created by compression springs facilitates this torque transfer.
Setting the Torque Limit
The torque that can be transmitted depends on the pressure applied by the springs to the friction plates. This pressure is adjustable, allowing the operator to establish a specific torque limit based on their needs.
Activation During Overload
If the torque surpasses the predetermined limit—due to an obstruction or overload—the friction between the plates becomes inadequate. Consequently, the plates begin to slip against one another.
Slippage and Protection
This slippage action effectively restricts the torque transmitted to the implement, safeguarding both the tractor’s PTO system and the implement from potential damage. The limiter will slip just enough to bring the torque down to a safe level.
Automatic Resetting
Once the overload condition is resolved, the friction torque limiter automatically resets itself to normal operation, allowing for the usual torque transmission without requiring manual intervention.
How to Install a Friction Torque Limiter on Agricultural Equipment
Installing a friction torque limiter on equipment, especially on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft, is vital for protecting machinery from torque overload. Follow this general guide for installation:
1. Disconnect Power
Ensure the tractor or equipment is turned off and the PTO is disengaged. Remove the key from the tractor and stabilize the implement.
2. Remove Existing Equipment
If you’re replacing an old torque limiter or coupling, start by disconnecting it from the PTO shaft and implement. This may involve removing pins, bolts, or retaining rings.
3. Prepare the Friction Torque Limiter
Unpack the new torque limiter and check for any shipping locks or braces that need to be removed. Apply lubricant as needed—some limiters require lubrication on specific moving parts or bearings.
4. Install the Torque Limiter
Align the torque limiter with the PTO shaft. It typically fits between the tractor’s PTO shaft and the implement’s drive shaft. Connect it to the PTO shaft, ensuring proper alignment of splines or keys. Secure it with pins, bolts, or other fasteners, then connect the other side to the implement’s drive shaft similarly.
5. Adjust the Torque Settings
Modify the torque settings according to the manufacturer’s specifications and your specific requirements. This usually involves adjusting the compression of the springs within the limiter.
6. Test the Installation
After installation, rotate the PTO shaft by hand to confirm that the limiter moves freely and is aligned correctly. Start the tractor and engage the PTO at a low speed to check its operation. Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations that may indicate improper installation.
Maintenance and Care of the Friction Torque Limiter
Proper maintenance and care of a friction torque limiter on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft are vital for ensuring its effective operation and extending its lifespan. These devices play a crucial role in agricultural machinery by preventing torque overload through controlled slippage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your friction torque limiter:
Regular Inspection
Conduct regular inspections of 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 correct type of grease or lubricant as specified by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
Adjustment and Calibration
Regularly check and adjust the torque settings according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Incorrect torque settings can result in premature slippage or inadequate protection. Use a torque wrench or appropriate tools for precise adjustments.
Cleaning
Keep the torque limiter free from dirt, grime, and crop residue. Accumulation of debris can hinder its operation and accelerate wear. Protect the limiter from excessive moisture and corrosive substances that may lead to rust and deterioration.
Avoid Overloading
Refrain from intentionally overloading the PTO shaft beyond the limiter’s capacity, as this can cause excessive wear or failure. Ensure that the PTO shaft is properly engaged and aligned to minimize stress on the torque limiter.
Why Choose FMP’s PTO Shaft Friction Torque Limiter?
FMP located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is strategically positioned near major airports and transportation hubs. We specialize in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of PTO shafts, agricultural gearboxes, and related accessories, including torque limiters and u-joints.
With an annual turnover of 60 million RMB (approximately 9 million USD), our business continues to grow. Our products have earned a strong reputation among customers in Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and North America. As a leading OEM supplier for many agricultural implement manufacturers in the domestic market, FMP Drive Shaft is committed to quality, prompt delivery, and competitive pricing.
We have obtained CE, TS/16949, and ISO9001 certifications, supported by systematic manufacturing equipment and a dedicated quality control team. We warmly invite you to visit us and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial long-term cooperation.
Author: CX
