PTO shafts with shear bolt coupling
A PTO shaft with shear bolt coupling is used as a safeguard against overload. It’s a type of shaft that transfers power from the vehicle to, for example, a tedder, slurry pump or mower.
How does a shear bolt coupling on a PTO shaft work?
The PTO shaft consists of two parts connected by a shear bolt. This bolt is designed to break when too much force is applied. This means that if, for example, a stone ends up in the mixer, the damage will be limited.
When should you use a PTO shaft with shear bolt coupling?
It is recommended to use a PTO shaft with shear bolt coupling when working with machines that may block or overload easily. For example, mowers sometimes get jammed, and using a shear bolt coupling is a good way to prevent damage in such cases.
The advantages and disadvantages of a PTO shaft with shear bolt coupling
One major advantage is the price. It’s significantly cheaper than a PTO shaft with a slip clutch. Unlike a slip clutch, a shear bolt coupling must be manually repaired by replacing the bolt. A slip clutch automatically disengages the power transfer when overloaded, so no repairs to the shaft are needed. One of the strengths of a shear bolt coupling is its reliability: you know for sure that the bolt will break in the event of a blockage, stopping the power transfer from vehicle to machine.
Which PTO shaft with shear bolt coupling do I need?
To answer this, you’ll need to check a few specifications. First, the shaft must match the horsepower and RPM. On our website, you can filter by HP at 540 RPM or 1000 RPM. A shaft that’s too light may break at the wrong time; a shaft that’s too heavy may cause serious damage. If you’re working with heavy machinery, we recommend choosing a robust shear bolt coupling. A shear bolt that’s too light may snap too quickly, which is obviously not ideal. Just like with any other PTO shaft, it’s also important to check the length. You can easily measure this by checking the distance from the vehicle to the machine – measured in the compressed (retracted) position. Also check the connection profile: do you need a 1” ⅜ 6-spline or a 21-spline, for example?