Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication
RCF3096, RCF3010, & RCFM3010 Rotary Cutters 326-566M
56
11/8/18
Driveline Slip-Clutch
Cutter drive components are protected from shock loads
by a friction slip-clutch. The clutch must be capable of
slippage during operation to protect the gearbox,
driveline and other drive train parts.
Clutch Run-In
Friction clutches should be “run-in” prior to initial
operation and after long periods of inactivity to remove
any oxidation that may have accumulated on friction
surfaces. To prevent driveline and gearbox damage,
repeat “run-in” instructions at beginning of each season
and when moisture and/or condensation seizes inner
friction plates.
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
1.
Using a pencil or other marker, scribe a line across the
exposed edges of the clutch plates and friction discs.
Clutch
Figure 5-4
13693
2. Carefully loosen each of the 8 spring retainer nuts on
the clutch housing a total of EXACTLY 2 revolutions.
It will be necessary to hold the hex end of the retainer
bolt in order to count the exact number of revolutions.
3. Start tractor and engage driveline for 2-3 seconds to
permit slippage of the clutch surfaces. Disengage the
power take-off, then re-engage a second time for 2-3
seconds. Disengage the power take-off, shut off
tractor and remove key. Wait for all components to
stop before dismounting from tractor.
4. Inspect clutch and ensure that scribed markings
made on the clutch plates have changed position.
Slippage has not occurred if any two marks on the
friction disc and plate are still aligned.
5. Tighten each spring retainer nut on the clutch
housing exactly 2 revolutions to restore clutch to
original setting pressure. See Figure 5-6 on page 57
and tables below Figure 5-6 for exact spring length.
6. The clutch should be checked during the first hour of
cutting and periodically each week. An additional set
of scribe marks can be added to check for slippage.
Clutch Disassembly
Disassembly of the clutch is simply a matter of removing
the spring retainer nuts (#1), springs (#2) and bolts (#3)
from the assembly. Each friction disc (#4) must then be
separated from the metal surface adjacent to it.
Clutch Inspection
Inspect all parts for excessive wear and condition. Clean
all parts that do not require replacement.The original
friction disc thickness is 1/8" (3.2 mm) and should be
replaced if thickness falls below 3/64" (1.1 mm). If
clutches have been slipped to the point of “smoking”, the
friction discs may be damaged and should be replaced.
Heat build-up may also affect yoke joints.
IMPORTANT:
