Bush hog 276

[Jay Shepherd]

This isn't specifically related to the International brand, but I'm running it behind my 484, so maybe that counts a little.

I recently picked up a used bush hog model 276 and it was cutting great a few days ago. I'm cutting some pretty dense stuff, and today it seemed like it just isn't cutting very well at all. It has a slip clutch and I'm wondering if A) I've worn down something in there and it's unable to grab properly to spin the gearbox shaft fast enough, and B) Can that be adjusted/tightened to make a better connection as I wear it down?

I don't know much about how the slip clutch works, but I do know that it's slipping and getting very hot so something may be wearing out.

Thanks!

 

[K.B.-826]

I don't know exactly what that specific slip clutch looks like, but most are made up of an input hub attached to the PTO shaft, a set of discs and plates, a heavy spring washer or a set of small springs that apply pressure to the discs and plates, and an output hub or plate attached to the cutter's gearbox input shaft. The whole assembly is usually held together with about six or eight bolts. These bolts compress the assembly and control how much pressure the spring puts on the discs/plates. These bolts must be tightened evenly, and the procedure will be found in the machine's manual. Tighten them too little, and the clutch will slip, tighten them too much, and the clutch will not slip and cause damage to the machine, which is why I wouldn't recommend just trying to tighten the bolts a little, I'll leave that for you to decide. Heat is a definite sign that it has been slipping. Since your clutch has been slipping, I would recommend taking it apart to see what the discs look like. You'll probably find that they are worn and damaged. Ask the Bush Hog dealer for the procedure for setting up the clutch when you go to buy whatever parts you need.

 

[Jay in AL]

Thanks for the info, K.B. That defiitely helps me to better understand how it works.

What would be burning and producing the smoke? It smells like rubber burning or something like that.

 

[marty Johns]

Jay, I have a 48" KingKutter and a couple of yrs ago, I experienced it slowing down, found the gearbox low on gear lube.

 

[Jay in AL]

Ok, there are 4 pair of adjustment nuts and I tightened each one half a turn, then tested it. Still seemed to be slipping a bit much, then I tightened them another half of a turn and it seems to be performing better now.

Thanks for the help!