Products Maintenance & Reliability
Force Control Industries introduces PosiClutch200 oil shear PTO clutch

December 10, 2018 – Force Control Industries introduces the PosiClutch 200 Series PTO clutch, a hydraulically actuated microprocessor-controlled oil shear PTO clutch ideal for high-volume pump applications.

Designed to mount on a diesel engine with SAE 00 flywheel housing, this clutch can include up to four pump pads to drive additional hydraulic pumps, up to 400 HP. Advanced engineering design eliminates the need for separate transmission fluid cooling equipment, thereby eliminating components, hoses and fittings, which can leak and fail.

At 33.25 inches in length, including sheave support bracket the PosiClutch 200 Series PTO includes an internal brake that can be released to allow free movement of the output for inspection or freeing a jam.

A proprietary controller communicates through the J-1939 communications protocol used on most engines, to prevent damage by limiting engagement at proper engine speed, protecting the engine from overload and stall conditions, and detecting clutch damage. This control can also be used for remote start enabling the clutch to be properly engaged remotely, or automatically, eliminating the need for personnel in the area.

Each PosiClutch clutch consists of seven basic components: (1) the input shaft connected to the motor or engine, (2) the output shaft connected to the load, (3) a clutch and brake stack consisting or multiple alternating friction discs and drive plates, and (4) a centrally located piston between the brake and clutch that will engage either the clutch, or brake, but never overlap to engage both at the same time.

Two other components are (5) the piston seals (o-rings with Teflon liners on each o-ring), and (6) springs tending to push the piston to the brake side (there are many combinations of springs and pressure called logic types). The final component is (7) the transmission fluid that make the whole unit possible.

The multiple disc friction stacks provide high torque and thermal capacity in a low inertia (only 61 lb. Ft.^2) compact package. Highly developed friction materials function optimally with the transmission fluid and resist wear. Teflon liners protecting every piston o-ring seal eliminates cracking and leaking of the o-ring seal and provides smoother quicker engagement. Because there is virtually no wear of the friction material, piston travel is reduced, using less actuation air or hydraulic fluid, and providing a quicker response.