Bi-Metallic or Fiber Disks

[panicbutton]

This summer I'm going to replace the steering clutches... Just wondering if the extra expense ($7-$10 per disk) for the Bi-metallic disks is worth the extra cost vs. the standard fiber disks.

Thanks-

[Tigerhaze]

Hi-

I know we discussed this in a few recent posts, so you may want to do a search.

I think the main advantage stated were that bi-metallic discs will not absorb moisture or oil like the fiber discs and thus are resistant to swelling which could cause a frozen clutch. This shouldn't be a big issue with regards to oil soaking if you are rebuilding since we presume you will replace seals and you are covering your machine to keep precipitation off of it.

However I think it was also stated it was an an advantage in moist, cool climates where moisture could condense regularly inside clutch housings.

Again you will want to search for those previous posts as my memory is sometimes fuzzy on those things.

[Lavoy]

IF you can do it for that price, absolutely.
Lavoy

[jdemaris]

Hi-
However I think it was also stated it was an an advantage in moist, cool climates where moisture could condense regularly inside clutch housings.

Allis Chalmers put self-venting drain-plugs in their small crawlers which I think was a great idea. Dry clutch crawlers often get stuck clutches just from condensation, as you mentioned. We tried leaving drain plugs out of some, but that is sort of a two-edged sword. They worked great until the crawler got driven through deep mud or a pond, and then got worse than ever. Same problem with John Deere winches. They tend to get wet, either oil, water, or both and then the clutches and brake gets ruined, or stuck. You're supposed to pull the drain plug once in awhile, but it usually never happens.

In regard to OEM, sometime in the middle of production, AC stopped using fibers and only put in the metallic in the small crawlers. I see now, that's all Deere sells for the 350s and 450s.

[Eric.MacLeod]

hello,,is there metalic disc for the 420s or are they out of the question? thanks Eric..

[Lavoy]

Yes, there is, but they are sometimes hard to find, and usually run about double of the fiber discs. From my experience, they are much more aggressive, and require more clutch (less brake) to work the best.
Lavoy

[mikeintn]

Where is the best place to buy the discs for a 350, go to Deere or are there aftermarkets ones that are cheaper, and are they as good.

[Lavoy]

I have discs on hand.
Lavoy

[panicbutton]

I have discs on hand.
Lavoy

Metallics?

[mikeintn]

Is there a number I can call you sometime about parts Lavoy. Mike

[CELSESSER]

Lavoy's number is on the welcome page 701-361-1006
Send him a PM and he will get back to you in short order also.

Chuck

[Lavoy]

I don't keep metallics on hand, never really sell them. No problem to get them, I will be making a disc order shortly anyhow.
Lavoy

[digitup2]

I find that metallic clutches work more aggressively.I put some in a 450E and it really doesn't steer as nice as the one I had two years prior to it with standard steering clutch disks .They are better for a higher humidity environment yes that is true but they are a lot more aggressive in the steering department I found you don't get to feather the steering clutches the same with metallic disks. they are either engaged or they are not there is no in between it is different steering by far.If you don't need more abrupt and aggressive steering than put in the standard clutches and keep your housings as dry as possible .Digitup.

[digitup2]

I find that metallic clutches work more aggressively.I put some in a 450E and it really doesn't steer as nice as the one I had two years prior to it with standard steering clutch disks .They are better for a higher humidity environment yes that is true but they are a lot more aggressive in the steering department I found you don't get to feather the steering clutches the same with metallic disks. they are either engaged or they are not there is no in between it is different steering by far.If you don't need more abrupt and aggressive steering than put in the standard clutches and keep your housings as dry as possible .Digitup.

[panicbutton]

Would there be any harm in mixing the fiber and metallic? I was thinking that it would ease up on the harshness of just running straight metallics, and if any moisture did get in I would still have steering.