PTO or power take-off clutches are a very common mechanical part in various machines for its brilliant usability. This has made a place in the manufacturer’s essential tools and pieces list from a very old time.
With that in mind, it’s quite obvious that those who are new to the machinery and electrical industry would find interest on this part and how it works. And so, today’s topic is for those who want to know how does an electric PTO clutch work.
PTO CLUTCH WORKING MECHANISM: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Basically, a PTO is great stuff that can deliver a mechanical disconnection power. This power is usually coming from electric motors or diesel and gas engines. The disconnection happens between the motor or engine to any second equipment piece.
This way the transmission of energy or power to any tool is possible with PTO clutch. These are tools that don’t have the power to generate any energy itself.
You can find various types of PTO clutches within the industry. However, the most popular ones are mechanical and hydraulic types. The various application is noticeable in compressors, concrete machinery, drilling power tools, compressors, grinders, mixers and agricultural equipment such as mower or garden tractors.
General Idea with Lawnmower Clutch.
The PTOs are more common in lawnmowers. There are various queries related such as how to replace the PTO clutch on a SCAG mower which is not easy to understand without basic knowledge of these.
This is the same situation for those who want to look for how to remove electric clutch on garden tractor. So, for a better understanding, you must have a general idea of its working mechanism.
This part is responsible to engage the blade. So that engine power can travel to drive train. The dual drive shafts stay connected thanks to PTO. There is a toggle switch that controls them. So that the clutch can work in conjunction with driveshaft. It needs to be compatible with the mower’s transmission.
Where Does it Gets Energy From?
The mower’s engine is responsible to let clutch enjoy whatever energy it needs to operate. This energy is latterly transferring to the mower blade for further application. The clutch has a significant role as brake of blade also.
Once the PTO is off, it instantly functions to stop blade operation. There are various brands that prefer using PTOs over the regular running clutch. These are better at preventing a motion for mower when the user tends to disengage clutch.
The Electromagnetic Side.
The electric PTO clutch is actually an apparatus of electromagnetic behaviors. There is a magnetic coil residing inside the disc shape clutch. It needs power from starter at the beginning. Then the coil can push a force on armature. This makes contact with the rotor.
The crankshaft is where this rotor is attached to. With armature starting to spin, the pulley will get turned. And so, the mower’s blade starts rotating. There are a few mowers that are bigger in size. They come with more than one blade set.
In such cases, the electric clutches work with drive assembly conjunction. So that the blade set rotation is easy to perform. Also, it is possible in various speed settings.
When the Power Is Turned Off.
Once the electric clutch disconnects from power, magnetic energy gives up on controlling armature. When this happens, armature’s movement controlling spring starts to force it back against the braking system.
The brake then stops pulley part. And so, the mower’s blade stops rotation motion. The mowing clutch can allow blade rotation turned off without disturbing or elimination engine operation.
So that the mower drivers can easily enjoy long-distance rides without any further tension of hitting rotating blades. These blades will no more have a chance to hit any protruding rock or other objects laying on the grass.
Where the Part Stays.
There is a power drive shaft located in a tractor or mower. The PTO clutch part basically stays mounted beneath this portion.
The PTO stays here with vertically aligned position. It stays connected with the blade shaft. With the spinning of PTO, blade also starts rotating. This is the reason behind such a position.
A belt is connected with the clutch pulley and driveshaft. This driveshaft is the main-shaft that stays connected with engine part. With turned-on engine, the shaft spins at a very high rotating rate. However, this does not affect the blade at all.
This is merely because the PTO is not connected here. The belt that connects both is loose enough to prevent any connection. There are no friction problems with this as well at normal conditions.
Connection Is Necessary to Work.
The connection is a major part of PTO operation. Without the PTO clutch engaging, there’s no blade spinning. The operator will pull lever to engage clutch. The pulley wheel then springs outwards. And so, the blade gets tightened against drive shaft pulley.
Then the belt starts reasoning for friction. This leads to grip the pulley as well. Since the drive shaft pulley starts to turn here, blade rotation happens.
Conclusion
Knowledge of how does an electric PTO clutch work is pretty important when it comes to mower and garden tractor. These common terms and tools are pretty useful to keep the machine going well.
Based on what applications you need, there are two types of PTO clutches available. The difference in their mechanism makes benefits available for various application needs as well. So, to understand which one mechanism suits well with your needs, do enough research. And finally choose the right type.
Hopefully, the article was helpful enough for you to see main working mechanism of this very familiar clutch.