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What is Burnishing and Its Benefits?

What is Burnishing and Its Benefits?
Break in your new clutch for best performance and longest life.

Clutch burnishing is a “prep” process used in the Outdoor Power Equipment industry to improve the performance and limit premature failure of any gas-powered equipment’s PTO clutch. The Ogura clutch is a critical component, as it is responsible for transmitting torque (rotation), which can be engaged and disengaged, during the safe operation of the equipment, including mower blades, wood-chipper heads, saw blades, etc.

During clutch burnishing, the clutch is subjected to controlled slipping and engagement cycling, in order to wear down high spots of the mating friction surfaces and maximize torque transfer capability. In summary, clutch burnishing is important for optimizing the performance and durability of a vehicle's clutch system by seating.
Burnishing an Ogura clutch on a mower can offer several benefits including:

  1. Improved Engagement and Disengagement: Burnishing helps to create better contact surfaces between the clutch components, leading to smoother and more precise engagement of the clutch. This can contribute to a more responsive and comfortable mower.
  2. Enhanced Durability: The burnishing process can prevent or remove glazing/galling or surface irregularities on the clutch components, promoting a more uniform and durable surface. This can result in increased longevity of the clutch, reducing the need for premature replacements.
  3. Reduced Slippage: Burnishing optimizes the friction characteristics of the clutch, minimizing slippage (and therefore, HEAT) during operation. This is particularly important for maintaining efficient transmission of torque / power and preventing unnecessary wear on the clutch and mower components.
  4. Minimized Shudder: Clutch shudder, which can cause vibrations during engagement, may be reduced through burnishing. Smoothing out the surfaces of the clutch components can contribute to a more stable and vibration-free operation.
  5. Consistent Performance: Burnishing helps to establish consistent friction characteristics, ensuring that the clutch performs predictably over time. This can contribute to a more reliable and consistent performance of the mower.
  6. Optimized for the Specific Application: Ogura clutches are used in various mower models with unique specifications. Burnishing allows the clutch to be customized and optimized for the specific application, taking into account factors such as mower size, engine power, and intended use.
It's important to note that while burnishing can offer these benefits, it should be performed according to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. Improper burnishing techniques or over-burnishing can have adverse effects on the clutch's performance and durability. Always consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer / dealer for specific instructions related to burnishing the Ogura clutch on your mower.

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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