pokitisme":2zq3nc87 said:
....... The overrun though I believe could be counted as useless if you just stop the tractor and let the brush hog or PTO just idle down to a non spin ............
You CAN'T just "stop the tractor and let the brush hog or PTO just idle down to a non spin"
What I think you are missing here is there are several factors, terminology, and situations involved and each one needs to be looked at individually to get the full picture.
1. The transmission is connected by gears to and drives the PTO shaft. The implement PTO power driveline is either engaged or disengaged, no give in it, just like a toggle light switch or being pregnant it's all or nothing.
2. An overrunning clutch is a one way ratchet, you can only "tighten" the power to the implement.
3. A slip clutch allows for the PTO driveline power to have "give" at the business end of the implement without breaking something.
4. An overrunning clutch and a slip clutch are two distinct items with totally separate independent functions.
With the H in as built configuration, the momentum/inertia/stored power/flywheel effect of the rotating brush hog continues after engine power is removed by depressing the foot pedal clutch. Since you have a direct connection from the transmission to the PTO driveline the rotation of the blades becomes the motor to drive the wheels. It's technically possible to break this connection by disengaging the PTO lever or kicking the transmission shifter out of gear, neither of which should be counted on in an emergency stop. (A.They are not natural reactions which would be to push the brake and clutch B. Pressure against the gears can make both impossible) An overrunning clutch, just like a ratchet and socket will only turn one way. Once the blades become the motor, just like your socket set, no power is applied the other way.
The slip clutch needs to be tight enough to power the implement but still have give at some point. If it's completely stuck or rusted up it's not a slip clutch. Older/cheaper made/simpler PTO drivelines will have a shear bolt instead of a slip clutch. A round shaft is inserted into a round hole on a mating shaft. A single hole is drilled crossways through both and a special bolt is inserted. When something stops the business end of the implement side of the connection, usually the round shaft side, the round hole shaft powered side spins around the now stopped solid shaft side breaking the bolt. You then have to remove/fix what caused the implement to stop and then line up the holes and install another special bolt.
One other thought about the brush hog powering the tractor... Without the overrunning clutch, in a panic stop where you're pressing the clutch and brakes, and pulling on the steering wheel to press harder on the pedals, and one wheel locks up. What happens??? All the power goes to the free wheel and you double your speed into what you were trying to avoid.
I totally disagree that the over running clutch is useless. However you are free to decide that it is useless if you want, if so just have the paramedics call me and tell me you do change your mind.