Why Ogura Clutches are The Right Choice for Autonomous Mowers
Autonomous mowers are gaining popularity. Operators and owners are seeing the advantages of smart mowing with less downtime, more reliability, and increased profitability. The components are critical and there are typical challenges for uptime and safety. The electromagnetic brake remains a critical component in both design and performance.
Electromagnetic PTO clutch brakes for mowers are safety devices. Engagement is performed when desired to rotate the cutting blades. Braking assist occurs when the clutch is disengaged. Just as importantly, the machine can also have additional safety measures such as operator presence controls. This would help keep limbs and body parts away from the cutting tool while they come to a stop.
Using an Ogura electromagnetic PTO clutch on your autonomous mower can offer several advantages. Here are some reasons why you might consider using an Ogura electromagnetic clutch:
- Efficient Power Transfer: An Ogura clutch enables efficient power transfer between the engine or motor and the cutting blades. It allows you to engage and disengage the blades smoothly and quickly, reducing power loss and maximizing the efficiency of the mower.
- Safety: Autonomous mowers often operate in areas with people or obstacles nearby. An Ogura clutch allows for immediate disengagement of the cutting blades in case of an emergency or when the mower detects an obstacle. This helps to prevent accidents and reduces the risk of injury or damage to property.
- Precise Control: An Ogura clutch provides precise control over the engagement and disengagement of the cutting blades. This allows you to adjust the cutting operation according to specific conditions, such as varying grass heights or different terrains. It offers flexibility and ensures optimal cutting performance.
- Extended Equipment Life: By using an electromagnetic clutch, you can reduce wear and tear on the mower's engine or motor. When the blades are not in use, the clutch disengages them, reducing strain on the power source. This can lead to a longer lifespan for the mower's components, resulting in cost savings over time.
- Energy Conservation: Autonomous mowers are often designed with energy efficiency in mind. An Ogura clutch helps conserve energy by allowing the blades to be engaged only when necessary. This feature can contribute to longer battery life or reduced fuel consumption, depending on the type of power source used.
- Smooth Operation: The Ogura clutch facilitates smooth operation of the mower. It minimizes vibrations and jolts when engaging or disengaging the cutting blades, enhancing the overall user experience. Smooth operation also contributes to better cutting quality and a more uniform lawn appearance.
Ogura GT series PTO clutch-brakes are made in a variety of configurations and typically mount on gas and diesel engines rated up to 40 HP. Bore sizes match the typical engine shaft sizes. Pulley sizes can vary based on machine requirements. Some have hub outputs to mount your own pulley, sprocket or coupling half. Clutch torque is rated up to 400 lb-ft on the larger units. These clutches typically operate on 12 or 24VDC.
It's important to consider the specific requirements and features of your autonomous mower, as well as the intended use, when selecting an Ogura Clutch. Please take the time to consult with Ogura Industrial Corp., so we can provide further insights and help you make the right choice for you, your mower, and your customers.
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