The drive clutch on an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is a component of the vehicle’s transmission system. It is responsible for engaging and disengaging the engine’s power to the ATV’s drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to accelerate, decelerate, and change gears.
The drive clutch is typically located on the engine’s crankshaft and is connected to the transmission input shaft. It consists of two main parts: the primary clutch and the secondary clutch.
- Primary Clutch: The primary clutch is directly attached to the engine’s crankshaft. It consists of two primary components: the drive sheave (also known as the primary sheave or pulley) and the movable drive face. The drive sheave is connected to the engine and has a set of moveable arms that can expand or contract to change the effective diameter of the clutch. As the engine speed increases, centrifugal force causes the movable arms to move outward, engaging the clutch and transferring power to the secondary clutch.
- Secondary Clutch: The secondary clutch is connected to the primary clutch through a drive belt. It consists of two main components: the driven sheave (also known as the secondary sheave or pulley) and the movable driven face. The driven sheave is connected to the ATV’s transmission input shaft. The movable driven face is connected to the driven sheave and moves in response to changes in the drive belt’s tension. When the primary clutch engages, it transfers power through the drive belt to the secondary clutch, which then transfers power to the ATV’s transmission.
When the ATV is stationary or at low speeds, the primary clutch is disengaged, and the ATV remains in neutral. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force causes the primary clutch to engage, transferring power to the secondary clutch and allowing the ATV to move forward.
The drive clutch is a critical component in controlling the power delivery of an ATV and plays a significant role in determining the vehicle’s acceleration, speed, and overall performance.
The main functions of the drive clutch are as follows:
- Power Transfer: The drive clutch connects the engine to the transmission system. When engaged, it allows the engine’s power to be transmitted to the drivetrain, enabling the vehicle to move forward or backward.
- Speed Control: By engaging or disengaging the drive clutch, the operator can control the speed of the vehicle. When the clutch is engaged, power is transferred, and the vehicle accelerates. When the clutch is disengaged, power transfer is halted, allowing the vehicle to slow down or come to a stop.
- Gear Shifting: In vehicles with multiple gears, the drive clutch plays a crucial role in gear shifting. By disengaging the clutch, the operator can change gears smoothly without causing damage to the transmission system.
- Starting and Stopping: The drive clutch allows the vehicle to start from a stationary position by gradually engaging the engine’s power. It also facilitates smooth deceleration and stopping of the vehicle by disengaging the power transfer.
In summary, the drive clutch is responsible for controlling the engagement and disengagement of power between the engine and the drivetrain. It enables speed control, facilitates gear shifting, and plays a vital role in the vehicle’s starting, stopping, and overall performance.
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