Industrial Centrifugal Clutches
Industrial Clutches, Reefer Clutches, and Speed Limiters
Automatic Power Transmission for Industrial Equipment and Refrigeration Systems
Hilliard centrifugal clutches are engineered to automatically engage driven equipment as operating speed increases, eliminating the need for external actuation while delivering smooth, controlled torque transmission. The product family includes industrial clutches, reefer clutches, and speed limiters designed for applications requiring dependable startup characteristics, shock load reduction, and long service life.
Whether transmitting power to conveyors and industrial machinery, driving refrigeration compressors, or controlling lowering speed on gravity-operated equipment, Hilliard centrifugal clutch technology provides reliable mechanical engagement while helping protect connected drivetrain components from excessive loading.
Hilliard Centrifugal Clutch Key Features:
Automatic Engagement
Centrifugal operation automatically engages the driven load at a predetermined speed without electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic controls.
Smooth Torque Transmission
Progressive engagement minimizes shock loading while improving equipment startup and reducing stress on shafts, belts, chains, and bearings.
Industrial Clutch Performance
Heavy-duty construction provides dependable operation across demanding industrial clutch applications requiring continuous power transmission.
Application-Specific Designs
Available as industrial clutches, reefer clutches, and speed limiters to support a wide range of OEM and replacement applications.
HOW IT WORKS
Speed-Activated Engagement Without External Controls
Hilliard centrifugal clutches use centrifugal force to engage automatically as input speed increases. As the driving shaft accelerates, weighted clutch shoes move outward and engage the drum, transmitting torque smoothly to the driven equipment. When operating speed decreases below the engagement point, the clutch disengages automatically.
This operating principle allows industrial equipment, PTO clutch applications, and refrigeration systems to start under reduced load while minimizing mechanical shock during engagement.
Industrial Centrifugal Clutches with Reliability
Automatic Startup
Allows the prime mover to reach operating speed before transmitting power to the driven load.
Progressive Engagement
Smooth torque transfer helps reduce driveline shock and improves equipment durability.
Shock Load Absorption
Cushions sudden load changes that can damage mechanical power transmission components.
Reliable Mechanical Operation
Provides consistent clutch engagement without electronic controls or operator intervention.
Speed limiters utilize the same centrifugal operating principle to automatically regulate rotational speed, providing controlled lowering performance in gravity-operated equipment. Reefer clutches apply centrifugal engagement technology to refrigeration compressor drives, delivering dependable compressor engagement throughout repeated operating cycles.
Industries
Industrial Clutch Solutions Across Power Transmission Applications
Hilliard centrifugal clutches support equipment requiring automatic engagement, dependable torque transmission, and controlled startup characteristics across industrial and transportation applications.
WHY HILLIARD
Why Companies Choose Hilliard Industrial and Reefer Clutches
Application-Focused Product Portfolio
From industrial clutches and reefer clutches to centrifugal speed limiters, Hilliard offers mechanical power transmission products engineered for demanding OEM and replacement applications.
Engineered for Demanding Duty Cycles
Heavy-duty materials and proven centrifugal clutch designs provide dependable engagement, smooth torque transmission, and long operating life under repeated cycling conditions.
Manufacturing Expertise
More than a century of motion control experience supports precision manufacturing, consistent product quality, and dependable mechanical performance.
Technical Support Beyond the Product
Engineering expertise and a global distributor network help customers identify the appropriate industrial clutch, reefer clutch, or speed limiter for their specific application.
Browse Categories
Products Supporting Critical Industrial Applications
Founded in 1905, Hilliard has grown from a one-product business into a global manufacturer serving customers across motion control
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Mechanical drivetrain systems for power transfer, traction control, and variable speed operation.
Motion Control
Clutch and torque limiting technologies for controlled power transmission and equipment protection.
Engine Starters
Electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic starting systems for industrial engines and turbines.
Industrial Braking Systems
Industrial braking technologies for stopping, holding, positioning, and controlled deceleration.
Find the Right Motion Control Product for Your Application
Controlled Engagement
Adjustable Torque
Engineering Support