Whether it’s an Enemac clutch, a Desch clutch, a Conax clutch or just about any make of industrial clutch, these mechanical components are essential in controlling equipment that comes with mechanical drive assemblies.
As we wrote in an earlier blog, there are many different types of industrial clutches, ranging from air cooled clutches to torque limiting clutches, industrial toothed clutches and electromagnetic clutches.
Industrial clutches are manufactured for a wide range of applications in power transmission. Some of the most common applications of industrial clutches include:
. Aerospace
. Military/Marine
. Heavy-duty transport
. Conveyor drives
. Heavy equipment, including tractors and dump trucks
. Pump motor drives
. Off-road applications
Whilst industrial mechanical clutches come with numerous advantages compared to pneumatic and hydraulic clutches, namely being less expensive and being the perfect type of clutch for heavy industrial equipment such as cranes, they can be prone to a specific set of problems.
Drive Line informs of some of the common problems that often occur when using an industrial clutch:
High-pitched squealing
It is not uncommon for such a clutch to start making a high-pitched squealing noise. If this issue does occur, it is important to get the clutch serviced as soon as possible to avoid serious damage being caused to the clutch’s gears, which could lead to complete failure.
Torque converter problems
As K & L Clutch and Transmission warns, one of the most common problems related to industrial clutches and transmission is when the torque converter is unable to do its job properly, thus creating a severe loss in power.
Failing to operate
Another common problem related to industrial clutches is that they can fail to operate. As Drive Inc advise the reason for a clutch being ‘frozen’ is likely to be caused by the clutch plates soaking in water or a faulty mechanism within the clutch.
Wear and tear
Like all industrial components, mechanical clutches are prone to wear and tear and the older the clutch is, generally speaking, the more prone it is to problems. It is therefore important to regularly inspect a clutch and if it does show signs of excessive wear and tear, get it serviced, repaired or replaced, before it completely fails and costs you more time, money and stress in downtime.
If you need to get a clutch replaced, YB Components can help you locate a specific make of clutch. With a database of more than 150,000 industrial parts’ manufacturers throughout Europe and America, take advantage of our ‘Source and Supply’ service, which enables our customers to buy specific industrial components such as clutches at a cheaper cost and as locally as possible.
Get in touch with YB Components today and start saving money on your vital industrial parts.