The FERGUSON Torque Limiter is a high quality, precision mechanism. To gain the optimum benefits, the
guidelines described in this manual should be used.
Safety
Read and follow all Warnings and Cautions prior to any service or repair.
1. Read your Overload Clutch Installation-Operation Instructions thoroughly before operating the unit,
for your safety and the protection of your unit.
2. FERGUSON Overload Clutches are designed to protect the Index Drive only and will not protect
against bodily injury.
3. Double check to be sure the power is off and cannot be turned on while working on the equipment.
4. Use extreme caution with jammed or unbalanced loads, which when cleared may set the machine in
motion.
5. Keep all objects such as hands, clothing, and tools away from rotating or moving parts.
6. Use safety glasses or equivalent to protect your eyes.
7. Dowel pins and mounting screws must not protrude from the drive plate or driven member, as the
clutch could become a solid coupling.
8. High humidity, contaminants, or wash down applications may cause rust within the clutch, resulting in
operational failure. Lubricate every six months or more frequently as the application requires.
9. The FERGUSON clutch is not a "FAIL SAFE" device and cannot be used on "overhauling" or
"holding" load applications.
10. When using chain drives, incorporate an idler sprocket to eliminate any slack.
NOTE: The above list includes major safety points to be observed, but should not be
considered as limiting in safety precautions to be followed.
NOTE: In the event the unit is damaged, contact Industrial Motion Control’s Wheeling
factory or your local representative, for replacement.
Operating Environment
This product is intended to operate in a clean environment. Excessive coolant, chips, dust, dirt or debris
can adversely affect its performance and life. If this device does operate in a dirty environment periodic
cleaning must be practiced and careful inspection of seals and accessories is necessary.
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Application Recommendations
1. On applications other than the output of an IMC Index Drive, clutch speeds must not exceed 100
RPM.
2. High humidity, contaminants, or wash down applications may require special protection. If rust forms
within the clutch, it may act as a solid coupling and will not release under overload conditions.
Lubricate every six months or more frequently as the application requires.
3. Use bronze bushings on sprockets, dials, gears or pulleys when used at the high end of the speed
range (100 RPM) to reduce wear.
4. Clutch couplings require accurate shaft alignment of .003" TIR. Insure that a clearance gap is
maintained between the body and the drive plate around the full circumference to the clutch (Type
RT S/S).
5. Use flange mounted clutches and clutch couplings whenever possible. These models provide
superior mounting reliability (Type RT F/F or D).
6. Dowel pins should not protrude from the drive plate or driven members, as they may lock against the
adjacent surface.
7. Do not operate without the detector limit switch electrically disconnecting the prime mover (motor),
as galling of the contacting surfaces may result.
8. On high inertia applications, braking the prime mover is recommended in the dwell cycle of the
INDEX DRIVE to minimize over travel.
9. IMC recommends using limit switches with rated travel not exceeding .008" for actuation.
10. The torque required to re-engage the clutch is usually 25% of the rating. Contact IMC for special
design, anti-friction materials if the clutch is to be used with very low torque settings.
11. Never use the clutch with a torque setting close to the calculated operating torque. Actual torques
may be higher. Torque spring tolerances and coefficients of friction vary with temperature and
application. Allow 130% (1.3 service factor) when applying a FERGUSON clutch.
Requesting Service
Call our Technical Service Department in Wheeling, IL, USA at 800-645-5207 or 847-459-5200 between
8:00AM and 4:30PM CST. When requesting service, always provide the following information:
1. The model number of the torque limiter.
2. A clear description of the problem, including as much detail as possible of the circumstances leading
up to the problem.
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Overview
The drawings contained in this document are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended to accurately
represent the components and therefore are not to scale. The various models may be different than shown,
depending upon options chosen or the particular configuration.
FIGURE 1
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Location Map – RT & RTM Series
ITEM PART NAME
1 CLUTCH HOUSING – SPLIT CLAMP FOR SHAFT
2 CLUTCH HOUSING – PILOT FOR FLANGE MTG
3 CLAMP SCREW
4 TORQUE ADJUSTING RING NUT
5 LOCKING SET SCREW
6 SPRINGS
7 PRESSURE/TRIP DETECTION RING
8 THRUST RACE – THIN
NOTE: Ferguson detent style torque limiters are single positioning, and will re-engage on each
revolution. Avoid continuous tripping as it will cause serious damage to the mechanisms.
NOTE: Use of a limit switch (mechanical or proximity) provided by the user is required to shut down the
power after the initial trip. Ferguson torque limiters are provided with a switch actuating plate or flange
to detect the axial tripping movement. IMC recommends using limit switches with rated travel not to
exceed .008” for actuation.
WARNING:
TORQUE LIMITERS:
• ARE NOT TO BE USED AS A SAFETY DEVICE.
• ARE NOT MEANT TO PROTECT TOOLING.
• SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR OVERHAULING OR LIFTING LOADS SUCH AS VERTICAL CONVEYORS
OR TRUNNION-TYPE FIXTURING.
• SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED MOTOR SPEEDS.
• IF PROPERLY SET, WILL PROTECT THE INTERNAL MECHANISM OF THE INDEX DRIVE.
RT & RTM Series
NOTE: Clutch torque is preset at the factory for application, if known, or the users
request. Final adjustment is required by the user after the load is applied. Adjustment
procedures can be found on page 13 of this manual.
1. RT & RTM Series torque limiters do not have flexible couplings. For shaft/shaft models it is
2. Fit and install key(s) into shaft keyway(s) and hand apply a light coat of anti-seize compound
3. Loosen bolt in clamping hub(s) and slide torque limiter onto driving shaft to required depth.
4. Assemble sprockets, pulleys, etc. onto flange side of shaft/flange or flange/flange torque
necessary to align mating shafts before installation of clutches. Use a dial indicator or
similar instrument.
to shaft surface. (Never Seize® is a brand of such product.)
Tighten bolt in clamp hub securely. Either end of shaft/shaft clutches can be installed on
driving shaft. Slide driven shaft into clutch and tighten bolt in clamping hub securely.
limiter using tapped holes and dowel holes provided by Ferguson. Torque limiter should be
assembled to slow speed shaft of reducers, indexers, etc. for greatest sensitivity. Slide
clutch onto shaft with sprocket side as close as possible to bearing in reducer, etc. Tighten
bolt in clamping hub securely.
5. Mount and adjust limit switch into proper position with clutch trip flange.
6. Turn on power and inspect.
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RTL & RTL-FCB Series
NOTE: Steps 1-8 apply to RTL-FCB type clutch.
1. RTL-FCB (shaft/shaft) torque limiters are furnished with a flexible coupling to tolerate
moderate angular and/or parallel misalignment. The maximum acceptable angular
misalignment is 0.5 degree and maximum acceptable parallel offset is 0.005”.
2. Determine angular alignment by checking the gap between the coupling and the torque
limiter with a ruler, caliper or gauge. The gap should be even all around but not exceed 0.5
degree, as previously mentioned (see Figure 3).
3. Determine parallel alignment by use of a straight edge or indicator. A straight edge should
lie evenly on both members but not to exceed .005” (see Figure 4).
4. Fit key into shaft keyways and hand apply thin coat of anti-seize compound.
5. NOTE: Torque limiter and coupling with maximum bores have shallow keyways.
6. Separate torque limiter & coupling hub by pulling or prying apart (FCB Series only).
7. Mount the torque limiter to the driving or driven shaft on the slow speed side of the reducer
and secure it by tightening the two set screws. The use of Loctite242 or similar adhesive
on the set screws is recommended.
8. Slide the coupling hub onto the shaft to be connected. Align the studs on the torque limiter
and hub with the holes in the elastomer bushings (Figure 6) in the opposing members and
slide the hub towards the torque limiter until the members are seated together. Align the
shafts per the above tolerances and tighten the coupling hub to the shaft using the furnished
standard QD type bushing.
NOTE: Steps 9-10 apply to basic RTL-type clutch.
9. Assemble the sprocket, pulley, etc. to the torque limiter using the tapped holes provided by
Industrial Motion Control.
CAUTION: SCREW THREAD DEPTH MUST NOT EXCEED THAT LISTED IN CHART 3.
IMPERIAL INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS
Model MIN. MAX RPM Travel Thread* B.C. NO. Pilot Dia. Bore
5 100 500 1800 .073 IN. ¼-20X5/8 dp. 3.750 IN. 4 2.500 1.250 IN.
20 400 2000 1200 .092 IN. ¼-20X3/4 dp. 4.875 IN. 6 3.375 1.750 IN.
60 1200 6000 900 .110 IN. 5/16-18X3/4 dp. 6.000 IN. 6 4.000 2.250 IN.
120 2400 12000 600 .146 IN. 3/8-16X1 dp. 7.000 IN. 6 4.750 2.750 IN.
Trip Torque
(IN-LBS)
Max.
Actuator
Plate
Sprocket Mounting
CHART 3
Max.
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METRIC INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS
Model MIN. MAX RPM Travel Thread* B.C. NO. Pilot Dia. Bore
5 11,3 56,5 1800 1,85 mm N/A 95,3 mm 4 63,5 mm 31,8 mm
20 58,4 113,0 1200 2,34 mm N/A 123,8 mm 6 85,7 mm 44,5 mm
60 175,2 875,9 900 2,79 mm N/A 152,4 mm 6 101,6 mm 57,2 mm
120 350,4 1751,8 600 3,71 mm N/A 177,8 mm 6 120,7 mm 69,9 mm
Trip Torque
(Nm)
Max.
Actuator
Plate
Sprocket Mounting
Max.
CHART 4
NOTE: RTL & RTL FCB Torque Limiters are built in English dimensions unless otherwise noted. Metric
measures above are approximate conversion from English only.
10. Slide torque limiter onto shaft of reducer, etc. with sprocket side as close as possible to the
bearing of the unit without rubbing. Secure torque limiter in place by tightening the two set
screws provided. Again, the use of Loctite® is recommended. Additional clamping can be
provided by using an arrestor bolt and washer to hold the unit against a shaft shoulder or
clamping collar (see Figure 5).
NOTE: Steps 11-12 apply to both RTL and RTL-FCB clutches.
11. Mount and adjust limit switch into proper position with switch trip plate.
12. Turn on power and inspect.
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 5
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Adjustments
Torque Adjusting Nut
RT & RTM Series
Locking Set Screw
1. To adjust trip torque, remove locking set screw. Use spanner wrench to adjust nut position.
Turn clockwise to increase torque or counterclockwise to decrease. See Chart 5 for torque
adjustment values.
FIGURE 7
2. Replace locking set screw after achieving required torque.
NOTE: 1) Total torque range in the different models is achieved by a combination of
different spring groups and applied pressure through the adjusting nut. Chart 5 below
show the different torque ranges available for each spring group. When re-ordering,
specify model # (e.g. RT3-6001, etc.) for your required spring range.
NOTE: 2) If a tamper proof setting is desired, apply a permanent adhesive, such as
Loctite® 680, to the set screw after achieving the required trip torque value.
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Spring Sets for RT Clutches
Torque Range Nut Adjustment
RT Clutch Range
RT/RTM3-
6001
RT/RTM3-
6002
RT/RTM3-
6003
RT/RTM3-
6004
RT/RTM5-
6001
RT/RTM5-
6002
RT/RTM5-
6003
RT/RTM6-
6001
RT/RTM6-
6002
RT/RTM6-
6003
RT/RTM8-
6001
RT/RTM8-
6002
*NOTE: Torque per ¼ turn of nut.
1 100 – 175 12 – 20 10 1,13
2 175 – 275 20 – 31 15 1,69
3 250 – 350 28 – 40 20 2,26
4 325 – 500 37 – 56 30 3,39
1 500 – 850 56 – 96 50 5,56
2 800 –1700 90 – 192 100 11,30
3 1600 – 3000 181 – 339 200 22,60
1 1000 – 2700 113 – 305 275 31,07
2 2500 – 5000 282 – 565 525 59,22
3 4000 – 8500 452 – 960 950 107,34
1 4000 – 9500 455 – 1073 600 67,79
2 6000 – 15500 678 – 1750 900 101,69
in-lbs Nm in-lbs* Nm*
CHART 5
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RTL & RTL-FCB Series
NOTE: Trip torque should be less than the maximum the machine can absorb without risk
but great enough to prevent undesirable nuisance tripping due to inertia or starting loads.
Ideally, trip torque should be approximately 40% higher than the operating torque of the
machine.
WARNING: IF THE DRIVE HAS A BRAKE MOTOR, THE TRIP SETTING MUST BE WELL
ABOVE THE BRAKE TORQUE; OTHERWISE WITH A HIGH INERTIA DRIVE, THE CLUTCH MAY
TRIP WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, ALLOWING THE MACHINE TO RUN UNCONTROLLED
BY THE BRAKE.
FIGURE 8
1. Adjust trip torque (Figure 8) by loosening locknuts.
Approximate Static Trip Torque
Number
Of
Turns
0 500 2000 6000 12000
½ 450 1900 5500 11500
1 375 1700 5000 10500
1 ½ 300 1500 4500 9500
2 225 1300 4000 9000
2 ½ 150 1200 3500 8000
3 100 1000 3000 7000
3 ½ ----- 800 2500 6000
4 ----- 600 2000 5000
4 ½ ----- 500 1700 4500
5 ----- 400 1400 4000
5 ½ ----- ----- 1200 3500
6 ----- ----- ----- 3000
6 ½ ----- ----- ----- 2400
RTL-5 RTL-50 RTL-60 RTL-120
(IN-LBS)
CHART 6
2. Tighten torque adjusting screws all the way down.
3. Back torque adjusting screws off the number of turns in Chart 6 to the desired torque range.
4. Tighten locking nuts to maintain setting.
5. Check the distance between torque adjusting screw heads and locking nuts. All must be the same to insure even spring
compression.
NOTE: All Industrial Motion Control detent clutches are reset by:
1. Turning the power off.
2. Clear jam condition.
3. Rotate machine manually or slow jog until clutch snaps back in the home position. Torque limiter
will re-engage from either direction.
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Maintenance
NOTE: FERGUSON detent torque limiters are factory lubricated and sealed. Unless the unit is
subjected to severe loads, frequent tripping, or harsh environment, replenishment of lubricant is
seldom necessary more often than once a year.
1. Annually disassembly unit, clean and inspect parts. Check bearings and seals and replace if
necessary. Inspect detents and detent plate for wear. If necessary, replace torque limiter.
2. Apply a general-purpose lithium based NLGI grade 2 grease to bearings, thrust washers, detent seats
and track, rubbing surfaces and the threads of adjusting nut or screws.
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1444 S. Wolf Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
USA
ph: 847-459-5200
toll-free: 800-645-5207
fax: 847-459-3064
e-mail: mktg@camcoindex.com
www.camcoindex.com
ISO 9001:2000 registered
This publication is for information purposes only
and should not be considered a binding
description of the product except if confirmed in
writing by Industrial Motion Control, LLC
Sales Office
Camco-Ferguson Michigan
550 Forest Avenue, Unit #14
Plymouth, MI 47170
USA
ph: 734-459-8080
fax: 734-459-8110