26
CLUTCH AND BRAKE
Burnishing in Running In
When a field replacement of the clutch occurs, the new clutch should be burnished and ideally run-in.
If this isn’t undertaken properly it will incur excessive heat in the first few hours of use and conse-
quently premature failure.
It is standard that electro magnetic clutches need burnishing in and this is achieved by causing it to
slip momentarily several times for short periods without generating too much heat.
Burnishing in is undertaken as below. Running In, although not essential, is recommended.
Ensure belts are at the correct tension before starting each procedure.
Burnishing
1. Start the engine
2. Set throttle to Low
3. Engage cutter wheel for 2 seconds
4. Disengage cutter wheel for 2 seconds
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 five times (no more).
6. Turn off engine and leave for at least 5 minutes to cool.
When the clutch has cooled, repeat the whole process twice more. On each repeat, make sure no
more than 5 “engage / disengage” cycles are made and that the clutch is left to cool in between.
(There are therefore 15 cycles in 3 batches of 5.)
Running In
To ensure maximum clutch life a short running-in period is recommended when the Predator 26 is
first used.
Grind as normal for approximately 5 minutes, then disengage the cutter wheel and leave for at least 5
minute to cool. Repeat up to 5 times.
Maintenance
The gap between the clutch plates should be approximately 1mm. If this increase with wear it is pos-
sible that the clutch won’t engage. If this occurs, remove one of the spacer shims located on the shaft
between the plates.
The brake can be adjusted by loosening the grub screws and relocating the disc on the lay shaft.
Then re tightening the grub screws. An even gap of no more than 1mm is required. MAKE SURE
THE BRAKE WORKS BEFORE USE.
Check and adjust if necessary belt tightness from layshaft to cutter head.
Remove rubber guard, then arm guard. Loosen the remaining 2 head bolts. Loosen cam locking nut.
Turn cam until belt is tight. Tighten locking nut. Reassemble.
Check and adjust if necessary belt tightness from engine to clutch.
Loosen the 4 large locking nuts and tighten belts with the jacking screw at the rear of the machine.
Then re tighten the 4 large locking nuts.
The cutter head and lay shaft assembly are modular and can be ordered complete as a reconditioned
unit if required.
Clean fuel is essential for the operating and reliability of he machine. Always use the correct in-line
fuel filter supplied from your local dealer or Predator.
