The Topic that Came up About Clutch Drive Systems

[Dale]

Hi guys:

I just checked a Butler that reminded me of this topic, so I thought I’d post this.

A recent unit that we put a new blower on showed low CFM under load, and we could smell belt slippage. IR camera showed that the outer part of the clutch was @ about 210 degrees (normal is about 90 under 8 Hg. load). In this instance only a new clutch will help. If it is a inner problem the bearing itself can be replaced. Here is why:

Yes, Butler and other clutch driven units do have clutch problems. Because of this we automatically change the clutches before we sell a used unit. Here is what we found: By using an IR camera, there are 2 areas in the clutch that can show overheating prior to a breakdown. But otherwise there is nothing visibly seen. And in fact, there may be clutch slippage, leading to loss of CFM.

Two areas of over heating. #1 The center of the clutch. This shows that the bearing is causing too much drag. Which in turn will cause belt, and blower slippage. Easy repair. Replace center bearing. #2 Outer circumference of the clutch. This is from the magnets themselves slipping, which in turn causes belt, and blower slippage. Replace clutch


Thx,
Dale

 

[Doug Cox]

I'll repeat, I've had one clutch fail in 25 years. Most times it is going to be fine unless you are trying to run the machine too fast.

 

[Rex Tyus]

Define Too fast. 8)

 

[Doug Cox]

On my HM CDS I would say running it at 2400-2500 rpms would burn out a clutch over time.

 

[Mike Draper]

I run my butler within a hairline of red line always and at 15hg. I imagine this will wear out the cluch faster than most? However, I do run almost all 2.5" hose.

 

[Greenie]

Dale's post is great if you have an IR camera, or suspect a clutch issue, unfortunately I don't think most will go about diagnosing this in this manner. What does one of those fancy IR cams cost?

 

[Chris A]

I think I heard the cheapest was 2200