Attention people running Rockford™ PTOs. We’ve noticed recently a couple of clutch failures that could have been prevented. Here’s how you can save time and money if you are running a Rockford 4-25754 PTO.
The Rockford Model 4-25754 PTO is a spring-loaded clutch used behind Ford industrial engines on wood chippers. We support this PTO by stocking complete clutch kits which include a pilot bearing, a clutch disc with 6 springs, pressure plate, release bearing and installation tool. This Rockford PTO has a splined input shaft. Our sales of that shaft have increased. We didn’t know why.
As the clutch cores were returned, we started to see that some discs coming back had the original 6 springs while others were rigid without springs. Almost invariably the people who were purchasing new input shafts had rigid discs. When asked they told us that someone had told them that the rigid discs were better and lasted longer than discs with springs. As a result, they replaced the original disc with a rigid one without springs. Unfortunately, it may be that a replacement disc of a design not specified by Rockford originally, might have contributed to damaging the input shaft.
To prolong the life of your Rockford 4-25754 PTO, we suggest not trying to eliminate design features that Rockford originally specified, after all they had the chance to test their units under all sorts of conditions and likely would not have incorporated dampening springs and the associated extra cost without some good reason. Not all upgrades are good upgrades; be sure to seek out the best advice possible.
Is your input shaft is damaged or do you just need help figuring out the best way to rebuild your PTO. We are here to help and share what we have learned so you can keep your equipment in service and focus on what you do best.
One upgrade you do want to make is to always install a new pilot bearing when servicing the clutch. These are inexpensive and easy to change. See our Tech Tip #67 : How to Remove a Troublesome Pilot Bearing for more information.
