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Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication
RCF3684 Rotary Cutters 326-412M
11/13/18
Driveline Slip-Clutch
The drive-train is protected from shock loads with a four
plate slip-clutch. The slip-clutch must be capable of
slippage during operation. Always do a
operation at the beginning of each season and after long
periods of inactivity to remove any oxidation that may
have accumulated on the friction surfaces. Repeat
instructions below when moisture
and/or condensation seizes the inner friction plates.
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
Always shut tractor down using “Tractor Shutdown
Procedure” provided in this manual before dismounting
Clutch Run-In
Clutch
Figure 5-3
1.
Using a pencil or other marker, scribe a line across the
exposed edges of the clutch plates and friction
discs.
2. Carefully loosen each of the 8 spring retainer nuts by
exactly 2 revolutions. It will be necessary to hold hex
end of retainer bolt in order to count the exact
number of revolutions.
3. Start tractor and engage power take-off drive for 2-3
seconds to permit slippage of the clutch surfaces.
Disengage power take-off, then re-engage a second
time for 2-3 seconds. Disengage 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 the 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. A clutch that
has not slipped must be disassembled to separate
the friction disc plates. See
5. Tighten each of the 8 spring retainer nuts on the
clutch housing exactly 2 revolutions to restore the
clutch to the original setting pressure.
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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.
See Figure 5-5 on page 41 to adjust spring length.
Clutch Disassembly
Figure 5-4
Clutch Assembly and Disassembly
Disassembly
See
“IMPORTANT NOTE”
above before disassembling
clutch. After measuring and recording each spring
length, remove spring retainer nuts (#1), springs (#2),
and bolts (#3). Each friction disc (#4) must then be
separated from the metal surface adjacent to it. Refer to
the Parts Manual for a detailed parts breakdown.
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" (3.2mm) and should be
replaced if thickness falls below 3/64" (1.1mm). 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 the yoke joints.
Assembly
Refer to Figure 5-5 on page 41:
Reassemble each friction disc (#4) next to the metal plate
it was separated from. Install bolts (#3) through end
plates and intermediate plates as shown. Place springs
(#2) over bolts (#3) and secure with nuts (#1).
Refer to Figure 5-5 on page 41:
Progressively tighten each spring retainer bolt until
correct spring height “A” dimension is obtained.
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IMPORTANT: Refer to Figure 5-5.
measure and record length (“A”) of each clutch
spring before disassembling clutch.
