Custom manual clutch

[B.M.800]

That's awesome!
I will surly have to look into saving up some cash for one. Long as it will handle the abuse on an offroad kart/mini setup, that will be great. Heck, i could probably convince my dad to take th kart or bike for a spin... Hehe. That would be pretty funny.

 

[fowler]

What sort of price are u putting on each unit?

 

[ddowns46]

What sort of price are u putting on each unit?

We're currently working on pricing right now, but we are estimating that the price will fall somewhere between $100-$150.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You're doing a fantastic job with the R&D. Keep it up.

 

[carter]

Man I love everything about this, a manual small engine clutch for only 100-150, this is great. Might I ask what the maximum rated HP/torque is? Will you offer models to handle more HP/Torque if need be?

 

[ddowns46]

Man I love everything about this, a manual small engine clutch for only 100-150, this is great. Might I ask what the maximum rated HP/torque is? Will you offer models to handle more HP/Torque if need be?

Thanks! We did a static torque test and the clutch started to slip at 42 ft-lbs. This would be easy to increase by simply installing an up-rated internal spring pack (80 ft-lbs is probably the limit until other issues are created by the increased spring pressure). It's worth noting that a built clone motor rated around 20 horsepower will only put out maybe 15-20 ft-lbs, so there's some decent margin.

 

[carter]

So it's even strong, this thing is looking more and more attractive as you continue to make it better.

 

[smgs92]

How well will these hold up to heavy off road? If they're durable I may try to place an early order for a 1in shaft and run one of these instead of a snow mobile clutch.

 

[fowler]

yes i would also like to see these tested in heavy duty aplications (24 hp+)

i wouldnt replace it with a snow moblke clutch
not trying to reduce your sales just for smgs

a snow mobile clutch is a clutch gear box in one so using this clutch will force u to sacrifice either speed or torque

 

[smgs92]

I wasn't sure which would be better I kinda assumed the snomo would be but I figured I'd check it would be pretty cool off road though.

 

[carter]

How are you gonna work the engagement? Normally engaged or normally disengaged? Will you work it from a pedal or...?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

How are you gonna work the engagement? Normally engaged or normally disengaged? Will you work it from a pedal or...?

Yes, the clutch is engaged when the lever is released, just like on a car or motorcycle. If we hooked a lever onto the steering wheel, the clutch would be disengaged when the lever is pulled in.

We could actually hook a cable operated lever up to this clutch, but a lever was easier to set up at the time and good enough to prove concept.

Let's not make this poor fella answer the same question too many times, eh?

As far as actuation goes- here's how I see it, and Ddowns can correct me if this doesn't ring true... Like any other manual clutch, a lever is provided, and you can do whatever the heck you want to with it. Cable, rod, pedal, hand lever... Hey, listen- If I wanted to actuate one of these clutches with a hydraulic slave cylinder- no problem... It's a lever...

 

[carter]

Let's not make this poor fella answer the same question too many times, eh?

As far as actuation goes- here's how I see it, and Ddowns can correct me if this doesn't ring true... Like any other manual clutch, a lever is provided, and you can do whatever the heck you want to with it. Cable, rod, pedal, hand lever... Hey, listen- If I wanted to actuate one of these clutches with a hydraulic slave cylinder- no problem... It's a lever...

Psh, read through this whole thread when I can just be repetitive?
No seriously I should have read the thread before asking things.

 

[OzFab]

Hmm, skimmers :toetap05:

 

[ddowns46]

Just to keep you guys in the loop, here's a set of renderings for the production parts. The finish will be black oxide coating, these things will look nice!

 

[rmm727]

Looks nice. Thanks for the update.

 

[B man]

How exactly does that bolt to the engine? i only see two mount holes.

 

[ddowns46]

How exactly does that bolt to the engine? i only see two mount holes.

Two mounting bolts are all that is required. They are for anti-rotation and to keep the clutch from falling off the end of the shaft. Technically, only one bolt is required but having two helps to keep the actuator assembly centered on the PTO shaft.

In fact, we have been using the first prototype with only 2 bolts very loosely torqued with no issues at all.

 

[B man]

Two mounting bolts are all that is required. They are for anti-rotation and to keep the clutch from falling off the end of the shaft. Technically, only one bolt is required but having two helps to keep the actuator assembly centered on the PTO shaft.

In fact, we have been using the first prototype with only 2 bolts very loosely torqued with no issues at all.

but won't that other bolt be in the way of that cable?

 

[ddowns46]

but won't that other bolt be in the way of that cable?

No, the second bolt is a low head cap screw that fits inside of the aluminum piece (round silver piece with the radial hole that the cable is passing through). The aluminum piece is the cable housing mount (the cable housing is not shown).The two mounting bolts have to be installed before you can install the cable. Conversely, the cable has to be removed before the clutch mounting bolts can be removed.