NOTE: The information in this post only applies to previous iterations of the Morbark EB chipper line and other manufactured brands with an NACD or auto-style clutch. The centrifugal clutch on Morbark’s BVR chipper line eliminates the need for this process and any complications that often arise from improper clutch engagement and/or abuse.
Getting that disclaimer out of the way… I was having a “spirited” conversation with a customer yesterday who revealed that no one on his team engages the clutch while tracking (driving) their Morbark 2131 Track chipper. He insisted that it made no sense to have the drum rolling while the machine was not chipping material. I agreed that it sounded like it wouldn’t be necessary but added that it wasn’t really about the drum but about what was happening with the clutch components that were spinning freely while disengaged.
Because this wasn’t the first (or fifteenth) time I’d had that conversation, I thought I’d put a quick post together to help people understand why it’s important to engage that clutch if the engine is going to be running more than 5 minutes.
Why you should engage the clutch
In short, the reason the clutch should be engaged while the engine is running is because with the clutch disengaged, the flywheel continues to spin. This continuous spinning action causes the flywheel and non-lubricated pilot bearing to wear down prematurely, leading to overheating and warping of clutch disc and other components. Outside of engaging the clutch wrong (such as jamming it in or engaging/disengaging at high RPMs), not engaging it for extended periods is a surefire way to cause a machine down and very costly repair bill.
Follow these steps for longer clutch life:
- Warm up: Allow the engine to warm up for no more than 5 minutes.
- Engage the clutch at low RPMs. Clutch should be fully engaged whether in travel or chip operation.
- Throttle up to full RPM’s to engage feed wheels for chipping.
- When work is complete, throttle down to low RPM’s and disengage the clutch.
- Regularly inspect the clutch for wear and ensure proper adjustment to maintain smooth operation and prevent premature failure.
So to all those guys out there who insist the clutch doesn’t have to be engaged I’d like to make one more plea. If you value your clutch, keep it maintained and engage/ disengage properly. Remember, failing to follow the steps above could result in a costly clutch replacement which is a non-warrantable service issue.
For clutch adjustment and other instructional maintenance videos, view this page:
