Description
We are proud to present our high-quality OEM DISC Clutch Torque Limiter, designed for superior performance and efficiency. This brand-new product comes with a one-year warranty and is suitable for a variety of industries, including hospitality, garment shops, building material stores, manufacturing plants, machinery repair shops, food and beverage factories, farms, restaurants, retail outlets, printing shops, construction sites, and the energy and mining sectors.
Advantages of a Friction Torque Limiter for a Power Take-Off (PTO) Shaft
Friction torque limiters for Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts in agricultural and industrial machinery offer several important benefits. These devices are essential for protecting machinery from torque overload, engaging in a slipping action when torque exceeds a set limit. Here are the key advantages:
- Equipment Protection: By capping the maximum torque transmitted to the implement, friction torque limiters prevent mechanical overload, safeguarding both the tractor and the implement from severe damage.
- Improved Safety: These limiters reduce the risk of sudden mechanical failures, fostering a safer working environment, especially in high-powered agricultural operations.
- Ease of Maintenance: Friction torque limiters are user-friendly, with simple adjustment capabilities for torque settings and straightforward maintenance procedures.
- Versatility: These limiters are compatible with a wide range of implements, making them versatile components suitable for various applications, particularly where variable loads can lead to torque spikes.
- Customizable Torque Settings: The torque limiter can be tailored to meet specific task requirements, allowing adjustments based on the implement used and the nature of the work.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: By controlling excessive torque and preventing overload conditions, these limiters help prolong the life of both the PTO shaft and the connected equipment.
Applications of Friction Torque Limiters
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 widely used across various types of farm equipment, safeguarding against damage from torque overload. Here are some key applications of friction torque limiters in agriculture:
- Rotary Cutters and Mowers: These limiters protect the gearboxes and blades from damage when encountering obstacles like rocks or dense brush.
- Balers: They prevent overload in balers, especially round balers, during the processing of large quantities of material, reducing the risk of jams and mechanical failures.
- Tillage Equipment: Used in plows, harrows, and cultivators, friction torque limiters help prevent damage caused by striking hard objects or overly compacted soil.
- Seeders and Planters: These devices protect seeders and planters from damage due to clogs or rough terrain, ensuring reliable operation and accurate seed placement.
- Harvesting Equipment: In combines and forage harvesters, friction torque limiters shield the driveline from damage caused by overloading during intensive harvesting activities.
- Feed Mixers and Manure Spreaders: They help prevent torque overload in the drivelines of feed mixers and manure spreaders, particularly during uneven loading or blockages.
Types of PTO Shaft Torque Limiters
Agricultural Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft torque limiters are essential safety devices designed to protect tractors and implements from damage due to torque overload. There are several types of torque limiters commonly used in agriculture, each with its own mechanism and benefits. Here’s an overview of the main types:
- Friction Torque Limiters: These limiters function through friction between contact surfaces. When the preset torque limit is exceeded, the device slips, preventing excessive torque transfer. They are commonly found in mowers, balers, and other implements where sudden torque spikes can occur. Many of these limiters allow for adjustable torque settings.
- Shear Bolt Torque Limiters: This type uses a shear bolt that breaks when the torque surpasses a specified threshold, effectively disconnecting the drive between the tractor and the implement. They are simple and cost-effective, suitable for various implements, but require replacement of the shear bolt after activation.
- Ratchet Torque Limiters: These limiters employ a ratcheting mechanism that permits rotation in one direction while locking or slipping in the opposite direction during overload situations. They are particularly useful in applications requiring unidirectional operation, such as augers.
- Overrunning Clutch Torque Limiters: These allow free rotation in one direction while locking in the opposite direction. They also limit torque by slipping or disengaging when overloaded. Commonly used in mowers and rotary cutters, they enable the implement to continue spinning freely after the tractor stops.
How Does a Friction Torque Limiter Work in Agriculture?
A friction torque limiter is an essential safety device used in agricultural machinery, designed to prevent damage from torque overload in tractors and implements. Here’s a breakdown of its operation:
Torque Transmission
During normal operation, the torque generated by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO) is transmitted through the friction plates of the limiter to the implement (such as a mower, baler, or plow). The friction created by the compression springs between the plates facilitates this torque transfer.
Setting the Torque Limit
The amount of torque that can be transmitted is directly linked to the pressure exerted by the springs on the friction plates. This pressure can be adjusted, enabling the operator to establish a specific torque limit tailored to the application.
Activation During Overload
If the torque surpasses the set limit—perhaps due to an obstruction or excessive load—the friction between the plates becomes insufficient to transmit the full torque. Consequently, the plates begin to slip against one another.
Slippage and Protection
This slippage action effectively limits the torque transmitted to the implement, safeguarding both the tractor’s PTO system and the implement from potential damage caused by overload. The limiter will slip just enough to reduce the torque 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 standard torque transmission without requiring any manual intervention.
How to Install a Friction Torque Limiter on Agricultural Equipment
Installing a friction torque limiter on agricultural equipment, especially on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft, is essential for protecting machinery from torque overload. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the installation:
1. Disconnect Power
Ensure that the tractor or equipment is turned off and the PTO is disengaged. Remove the key from the ignition to prevent accidental startup. Make sure the implement is securely supported and stable.
2. Remove Existing Equipment
If you are replacing a previous torque limiter or coupling, begin by disconnecting it from the PTO shaft and the 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. If necessary, apply lubricant to specific moving parts or bearings as indicated by the manufacturer.
4. 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 aligned properly. Secure it using the provided pins, bolts, or fasteners, and then connect the other side of the torque limiter to the implement’s drive shaft similarly.
5. Adjust the Torque Settings
Adjust the torque settings based on the manufacturer’s specifications and your specific requirements. This typically involves modifying the compression of the springs within the limiter.
6. Test the Installation
Once the installation is complete, 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. Be attentive to any unusual noises or vibrations, as these could indicate improper installation.
Maintenance and Care of a Friction Torque Limiter
Proper maintenance of a friction torque limiter on a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft is crucial for its effectiveness and longevity. These devices protect agricultural machinery from torque overload by slipping under excessive force. Here’s how to maintain and care for your friction torque limiter:
1. Regular Inspection
Frequently inspect the friction surfaces for signs of wear, as excessive wear can diminish the torque limiter’s effectiveness. Look for any damage or unusual wear patterns that may indicate misalignment or other issues.
2. 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.
3. Adjustment and Calibration
Regularly check and adjust the torque settings to align with the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect settings can lead to premature slippage or insufficient protection. Use a torque wrench or appropriate tools for precise adjustments.
4. Cleaning
Keep the torque limiter free from dirt, grime, and crop residue. Build-up can hinder its operation and cause premature wear. Protect the limiter from excessive moisture and corrosive substances that could lead to rust and deterioration.
5. Avoid Overloading
Do not intentionally overload the PTO shaft beyond the limiter’s capacity, as this can result in 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 based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang City, is a prominent leader in the industry, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of PTO shafts, agricultural gearboxes, PTO shaft accessories, u-joints, torque limiters, tubes, yokes, adaptors, industrial cardan shafts, car driveshafts, coupling shafts, and more. We proudly export our products to over 50 countries across five continents, earning a strong reputation among customers in Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and North America.
We are committed to delivering high-quality products, fast shipping, and competitive pricing. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our CE, TS/16949, and ISO9001 certifications. With a systematic manufacturing process, advanced equipment, and a dedicated quality control team, we ensure that our products meet the highest standards.
Our annual turnover is 60 million RMB (approximately 9 million USD), and we continue to see year-on-year growth. As a leading OEM supplier for numerous agricultural implement manufacturers in the domestic market, we adhere to our “QDP” principles: Quality first, Deliver quickly, and Price Competitive. We warmly invite customers to visit us and explore opportunities for long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Author: CX
