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Removing and Replacing the Clutch
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE OR INSPECTION, STOP THE ENGINE, WAIT FIVE
(5) MINUTES TO ALLOW ALL MOVING PARTS TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND COOL. DISCONNECT
THE SPARK PLUG WIRES, KEEPING THEM AWAY FROM THE SPARK PLUGS.
The design of the Clutch on your machine is for rugged, dependable service, however, it is important to
understand the limitations of a Clutch. The Clutch design is to provide load free starting of the Engine, and
slippage under excessive overloading of the driven application. These features help protect the Engine from
damages such as broken crankshafts and starters. The Shoes and Springs on the Clutch are normal wear
items. If you notice decreased performance of the Clutch, check and replace them if necessary.
The Clutch obtains its power from the Engine RPM. The lower the engagement speed, and the higher the
maintained Engine speed, the more torque the Clutch can transfer to the driven unit. NEVER operate the DR
ROAD-TOWABLE CHIPPER Engine at less than full RPM.
NOTE: At engine start-up, the engine of your chipper operates under no load until approximately 1000-1200 RPM
for both the 18 and 19 HP models, at which speed the centrifugal clutch engages and begins driving the
rotor. Proper rotor speed is 2400-RPM +/- 200 RPM.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE ENGINE’S GOVERNOR SETTING. THE GOVERNOR CONTROLS THE
MAXIMUM SAFE OPERATION SPEED AND PROTECTS THE ENGINE. OVER-SPEEDING THE ENGINE
IS DANGEROUS AND WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND TO THE OTHER MOVING PARTS
OF THE MACHINE. SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ANY ENGINE GOVERNOR ADJUSTMENTS.
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SUCCESSFUL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND AVOID THOSE THAT CAN
OVERLOAD AND DAMAGE THE MACHINE.
DO NOT OVERLOAD OR ATTEMPT TO CHIP MATERIAL BEYOND MANUFACTURERS
RECOMMENDATION. PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE COULD RESULT. LEARN
TO RECOGNIZE THE SOUND OF THE MACHINE DURING AN OVERLOAD CONDITION. ONLY YOUR
OPERATOR EXPERIENCE WILL TELL YOU HOW FAST YOU CAN SUCCESSFULLY FEED MATERIAL
INTO THE MACHINE.
IF OVERLOADING, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE JAMS THE MACHINE, STOP THE MACHINE IMMEDIATELY.
IF YOU JAM THE MACHINE AND DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE, IT CAN BURN THE DRIVE BELT
AND/OR RUIN THE CLUTCH. CLUTCH DAMAGE CAN BE COSTLY AND IT MAY NOT BE COVERED
UNDER WARRANTY. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE
MACHINE IF IT BECOMES JAMMED.
THE CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH ON THIS MACHINE IS PERMANENTLY LUBRICATED AND DOES NOT
REQUIRE OIL OR GREASE. IF, AFTER LONG PERIODS OF USE, THE DRUM WOBBLES EXCESSIVELY,
REPLACE THE DRUM ASSEMBLY. ALWAYS REPLACE SHOES AND SPRINGS IN SETS. WHENEVER
SHOES ARE CHANGED, REPLACE ALL SPRINGS.