Understanding Over Running Clutches
What does an over run clutch do?
An over run clutch keeps the rotational momentum of your tractor mower from “pushing” your tractor after the clutch pedal is pushed in.
The over run clutch is a “must” if your tractor does not have a “live” PTO --- as is typical with Yanmars.
The danger of not having an over run clutch.
Let us say you do not have an over run clutch and you are out mowing.
When you press your clutch pedal, the mower will continue to spin. This is due to the rotational momentum of the blades. You may be surprised just how much momentum is stored in the spinning mower.
Because there is a connection between the transmission and the PTO --- this momentum continues to spin the transmission gears. This keeps the tractor moving forward.
Many people have ordered over run clutches after crashing into cars, trees, garage doors and even people.
Think about it this way --- you press the clutch and the tractor keeps moving. Talk about dangerous!
Even if you press the brakes, it will take several seconds to stop. Plus, this is very hard on your tractor’s transmission due to the low gearing.
You will keep moving forward until one of two things happens --- (1.) you shift the PTO or transmission into neutral, or (2.) the mower stops spinning.
How an over run clutch works.
An over running clutch acts like a ratchet.
Think of it this way --- you can turn hard on a ratchet one way to tighten a bolt. Then it spins easily when you turn it the other way. It is the same thing with the over running clutch.
The over running clutch allows the tractor to apply power to spin the mower, but the mower cannot apply its momentum back to spin the transmission. When you install an over running clutch, you can depress the clutch and the tractor will instantly stop but the mower will eventually spin to a safe stop.
You can also depress the clutch to shift gears and the mower will continue to free spin. This makes it easier to resume mowing since you do not have to spin up the mower from a complete stop.
If you need any further help or have any questions about over run clutches, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
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