Farm Power And Machinery (1+1)

Clutch

• Clutch is a device, used to connect and disconnect the tractor engine from the transmission gears and drive wheels. Clutch transmits power by means of friction between driving members and driven members.

Why clutch in a tractor is essential?
Engine needs cranking by any suitable device. For easy cranking, the engine is disconnected from the rest of the transmission unit by a suitable clutch. After starting the engine, the clutch is engaged to transmit power from the engine to the gear box.
In order to change the gears, the gear box must be kept free from the engine power, otherwise the gear teeth will be damaged and engagement of gear will not be perfect. This work is done by a clutch.
When the belt pulley of the tractor works in the field it needs to be stopped without stopping the engine. This is done by a clutch.

The important essential features of a good clutch are:
It should have good ability of taking load.
It should have higher capacity to transmit maximum power without slipping.
Friction surface should be highly resistant to heat effect.
The control by hand lever or pedal lever should be easy.