Outdoor power equipment gets subjected to a wide range of operating temperatures. In addition, storage of equipment over winter months can drop below freezing. Relative to PTO clutch brakes, we are talking about applications such as portable sawmills, agricultural equipment, lawn care equipment, stump grinders, floor care equipment, and more.

Most electromagnetic clutch coils are powered with somewhat constant voltage. When temperatures drop, the coil resistance decreases. Since Current = Voltage / Resistance, it takes less current to engage the clutch, or in other words, it engages easier when the clutch is cold.

When the coil is energized, the coil generates heat to warm up the clutch, although this is not required. The cycling of the clutch also provides heat since there is momentary slipping during engagement. The close location of the clutch to the engine inherently adds a heat source as well, as many clutches are mounted directly on the engine shaft.

The nitrile rubber bearing seals are made to handle most outdoor cold temperatures without becoming too brittle. The insulation and connectors are not affected negatively either.

One thing to watch out for is excess water around the clutch, in that you don't want ice to form on the clutch and lock it in the engaged state. Frost on a clutch's friction surface can also lower the coefficient of friction resulting in lower torque transfer capability and increased risk of slipping the clutch under high load. Excess slipping can permanently damage the friction surface.

GT series PTO clutch brakes and General Purpose clutches are most commonly mounted on engine shafts and are rated for static clutch torque of roughly 100 to 400 lb-ft. They are available in various pulley configurations and hub versions as well to accept a custom pulley, sprocket or coupling. These durable components have been proven in numerous rugged applications over the years and new applications continue to arise. One piece designs with solid rotors make for easy installation and long life.

Benefits of using an Ogura PTO clutch brake:

• Long life
• Safety
• Built for outdoor operation
• Many years of proven success
• For use with operator presence controls
• Available with a soft start controller
• Custom designs available based on minimum order quantities

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