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 Clutch 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 Clutch Designs
Available as industrial clutches, reefer clutches, and speed limiters to support a wide range of OEM and replacement applications.
HOW IT WORKS
Centrifugal Clutches: 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 for Reliable Power Transmission
Hilliard industrial centrifugal clutches deliver automatic engagement and dependable power transmission for industrial machinery and equipment.
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.
Reefer Clutches for Transportation Refrigeration
Hilliard reefer clutches provide automatic engagement for refrigeration compressor drives in temperature-controlled transportation equipment. Designed for repeated operating cycles, these clutches support dependable compressor operation while reducing mechanical stress on connected components.
Automatic Compressor Engagement
Engages compressor drives at a predetermined operating speed.
Reduced Shock Loading
Smooth torque transfer helps protect compressor drive components during startup.
Dependable Performance
Supports repeated engagement cycles in demanding refrigeration applications.
Automatic Centrifugal Speed Limiters for Controlled Load Lowering
Hilliard centrifugal speed limiters use centrifugal force to regulate the lowering speed of gravity-driven loads, providing dependable mechanical speed control without external actuation.
Controlled Load Lowering
Helps maintain consistent descent speeds for gravity-operated equipment.
Automatic Speed Regulation
Responds to changes in rotational speed using centrifugal force.
Reliable Mechanical Operation
Provides dependable speed control without electronic or hydraulic controls.
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-Specific Clutch Solutions
From industrial and reefer clutches to centrifugal speed limiters, Hilliard offers proven 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.
Proven Centrifugal Clutch 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 based on application requirements, operating speeds, and torque demands. From initial product selection to sourcing industrial clutch parts, Hilliard provides technical support to keep equipment operating reliably.
Browse Categories
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Founded in 1905, Hilliard has grown from a one-product business into a global manufacturer serving customers across motion control
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Find the Right Motion Control Product for Your Application
Controlled Engagement
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