DR Power 18 HP (June 2004 - Present) User Manual

Page 25

CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH TECH TIPS

CLUTCH PART NO. 911-0236

THE SHOES AND SPRINGS ON THE CLUTCH ARE NORMAL WEAR ITEMS. IF YOU

NOTICE DECREASED PERFORMANCE OF THE CLUTCH THEY SHOULD BE CHECKED

AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

The clutch on your machine is designed for rugged, dependable service, however, it is important
to understand the limitations of a clutch. A clutch is designed to provide load free starting of the
engine, and slippage under excessive overloading of the driven application. These features
help protect the engine from damages such as broken crankshafts and starters.

The clutch obtains its power from engine RPM’s. The lower the engagement speed, and the
higher the maintained engine speed, the more torque the clutch can transfer to the driven unit.
Do not operate at less than full RPM’s.

• At engine start-up, the engine of your chipper operates under no load until approximately

1000-1200 RPM’S at which speed the centrifugal clutch engages and begins driving the
rotor.

• Proper rotor speed is 2400 RPM +/- 200 RPM.
• Do not tamper with the engine’s governor setting. The governor controls the maximum safe

operation speed and protects the engine. Over-speeding the engine is dangerous and will
cause damage to the engine and to the other moving parts of the machine. See your
authorized dealer for engine governor adjustments.

• Become familiar with successful operating conditions and avoid those that can

overload and damage the machine.

• Do not overload or attempt to shred or chip material beyond manufacturers recommendation.

Personal injury or damage to the machine could result.

• Learn to recognize the sound of the machine when it is overloaded.
• If the machine becomes jammed by overloading or any other cause, stop the machine

immediately.

• If you jam the machine and do not stop the engine, it can:

• Burn the belt.
• Ruin the clutch.

• Only your operator experience will tell you how fast you can successfully feed material into

the machine.

• Clutch damage can be costly and it may not be covered under warranty. For this

reason, it is important that you immediately shut off the machine if it becomes
jammed.