Improvements in Agricultural Tractor Clutch Performance

This Paper describes a field trial investigating if a diaphragm spring cover assembly and rigid driven plate would give improved performance over the production coil spring cover assembly and spring centre driven plate. Also described is subsequent rig testing carried out to find an alternative non-asbestos facing.

The field trial was successful with a life improvement of 100% together with improved release and engagement characteristics and gear selection. An alternative heavy duty asbestos material was found and a cerametallic material gave the best non-asbestos result.

Further testing is proposed at a reduced duty level in an effort to improve correlation between rig testing and the field trial and this will be extended to include other non-asbestos materials which have recently become available.