When you’re operating heavy equipment, you depend on the clutch in that equipment more than you think. The clutch serves a vital purpose in heavy machinery, and there are different types to choose from for different applications. At least with a Wichita clutch, you know the part is high quality enough to be trusted. The company has a long and storied history, and they make high quality products that a variety of industries utilize.
The Function of a Clutch
A clutch, in general, connects a drive motor to something that is being rotated or driven. The clutch allows you to stop moving the driven part without shutting off the motor. It also allows you to get the motor up to full speed before adding the extra drag of the driven part and, in some cases, it allows the driven part to move at a different speed than the motor itself. There are several different types of clutches, including the centrifugal clutch, the electromagnetic clutch, the fluid-coupled or “wet” clutch, the multiple plate clutch, the safety clutch and the cone clutch, among others.
The History of Wichita Clutch
Founded in 1949, the company was originally created for the purpose of supplying clutches for drilling and service rigs, particularly to the Wilson Manufacturing Company, a company of which Wichita eventually became a division. Soon, they were selling brakes and clutches to a variety of customers, with a special emphasis on air operated friction clutches. Now Wichita has sales and service of clutches of all kinds in the UK, Japan, Southeast Asia, and North, Central and South America.
Wichita’s Products
Clutch products have applications across a variety of industries, and Wichita has many or most of them covered. In metal working, Wichita makes tension brakes and clutches for heavy metal-forming machines. Similar tension brakes are also used in corrugating machines and printing machines.
For diesel engines, Wichita makes a standard vent clutch that is very popular, as well as other clutch variants. The forestry industry tends to prefer Wichita clutches, particularly water-cooled clutches, for their heavy machines. In the energy industry, there is a need for heavy duty clutches to control the heavy duty drive systems, and Wichita can provide them.
If you’re in the market for a Wichita clutch, Palmer Johnson Power Systems is the place to go. Visit the website to view Wichita products available for your vehicles and heavy machinery.
