How Do Centrifugal Clutches Work?
Centrifugal Clutches Centrifugal clutches can be found small automated maintenance tools, usually gas-powered weed trimmers and chainsaws, although they can be found in some lawnmowers, go-karts and mopeds. These give the machines a cheap but effective way for the engine to idle and not engage the output device, usually a belt, shaft or chain. When the engine is engaged, the clutch activates the output device. Inside the Engine A centrifugal clutch works by having an output shaft with weighted arms inside a drum. The weighted arms are fly-weights attached to springs. As the shaft turns, the weights begin to push outward through centrifugal force. When it touches the inside of the drum, it begins rotating the drum, which moves the output device, a belt, shaft or chain. The faster the internal shaft spins, the more force is pressed against the drum by the weighted arms. When the engine idles, the internal shaft stops rotating, and the weight arms retract to their original position, remov
