This Foley Engines Tech Tip, one of a number we publish concerning power take off clutches, focuses on AutoClutch™ and Stein PTO Discs. It follows on the heels of other Tech Tips that discussed PTO clutches including Twin Disc®, NACD®, Rockford™, and WPT Power®. See Tech Tip #154 AutoClutch Power Takeoff Clutches, Tech Tip #167 Twin Disc, Rockford, and AutoClutch Power Takeoffs and Pulleys, and Tech Tip 218: Running a Twin Disc™ Power Takeoff Clutch and Need to Replace It?, for more information.
Over the years, a great number of people have turned to us for replacement discs and pressure plates for their AutoClutch and Stein industrial PTOs. Both AutoClutch and Stein Manufacturing clutches are called “automotive style” industrial clutches and feature a disc and a pressure plate. They are distinctly different from the “over center” style PTO commonly produced by WPT Power, Twin Disc, NACD and Rockford.
Drawing on our experience with smaller automotive style clutch assemblies, particularly on Ford Industrial engines, we have provided AutoClutch style clutches with discs equipped with between 6 or 8 springs. Our thinking was that a disc with springs would dampen the shock load on the clutch shaft and help to minimize potential damage to the spline as we have seen in some of the Rockford automotive style PTOs. Based on our experience with AutoClutch and Stein who have a particular focus on Automotive style PTOs, we now think there is a place for rigid style discs in automotive style PTOs. Or, at least we should give the rigid style clutch disc vs. the spring loaded dampened disc more thought.
The potential benefit of the rigid style disc is the higher clamping loads it can accommodate and without having individual springs that can dislodge themselves, in the right application, this could be a further benefit. Something to consider when trying to determine the best products for your application.
Not sure of the best option for your PTO? We can help you find what you need; just give us a call at (508) 753-2979.
