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How Does Torque Fluid Work?

May 24, 13 • News, Torque FluidComments Off on How Does Torque Fluid Work?

Twin Disc Torque Fluid from K&L Clutch and TransmissionOur goal with this post is a general overview of Torque Fluid, we won’t be delving into any quantum physics, so if you’re a super advanced reader, you may be looking for something more in-depth. If you’re looking for a more general understanding of how torque fluid works, you’ve come to the right place!

What is Torque Fluid?

Maybe you have heard of the term “torque fluid” and were curious as to what it was used for and what it does. Torque fluid is the hydraulic fluid used in a torque converter. The viscosity (or how thick or “runny” the liquid is) helps to transfer the pressure and makes the conversion process more effective. While this may be great for heavy-duty machinery, such as construction equipment, it isn’t always what you would want in machines with less weight, like your car. The thicker the fluid is, the more energy it transfers from one part of the transmission to another. Read Full Article →

4 Common Industrial Clutch and Transmission Problems

May 15, 13 • Clutches, News, Torque Converters, TransmissionComments Off on 4 Common Industrial Clutch and Transmission Problems

Common Clutch and Transmission Problems | K&L Industrial Machine PartsThere are a huge number of different transmissions being put to use in a wide variety of simple and complex machinery. Each model uses different types of transmission designs to convert power and drive the engine. With each variety of system comes different abilities and, of course, their own set of unique problems. The most uncommon transmissions are those being put to use in heavy machinery such as hydrostatic transmissions, hydrodynamic systems, and electric transmissions. In each of these cases, the transmission system is essentially converting power from its source for transmission into various gears and components. This transmission mechanism differs accordingly. In virtually all cases, however, the clutch and transmission of a vehicle will be intricately related, controlling the transition between gears which are responsible for transferring power. The number of gears and precise machining necessary for a clutch and transmission to work together properly ends up becoming the source of a great many problems in the engine as a whole. Read Full Article →

Torque Converters History: Powering Progress Through the Years

May 9, 13 • Torque Converters, World NewsComments Off on Torque Converters History: Powering Progress Through the Years

Hydraulic Torque Converters from K&L ClutchLike the majority of the inventions throughout history, the torque converter arose out of a desire for convenience and efficiency. It became apparent to designers that internal combustion engines were not transferring the full amount of power being produced into used energy. On top of this fact, the torque of the engine was only be controlled in a rudimentary fashion. In order to solve the problem, the torque converter came into existence. They first enjoyed widespread use in locomotives and strictly diesel units. However, as the advantages of the torque converter became apparent, it began to be installed in vehicles of all sizes and levels of complexity. The invention of the automatic transmission for cars and trucks is when the invention really hit its stride. With the popularity of this form of transmission, there was also a great deal of incentive to develop the technology that was governing the device’s performance.
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Oil Coolers and Heat Exchangers: The Importance of Being Cool

May 1, 13 • Heat Exchangers, Industrial Product ServiceComments Off on Oil Coolers and Heat Exchangers: The Importance of Being Cool

Control Overheating with Oil Coolers and Heat Exchangers from K&L Clutch and TransmissionOur industrial product distributor experts explain why machines need oil coolers and heat exchangers.

Texas is hot. So are many of the places where our parts and workers find themselves. Even in cool weather, cranes, tractors, front-end loaders, and all other large machines, expel a large amount of energy to do their jobs. If you remember much from grade-school science, or if you happened to study the subject in some sort of advanced degree, you know that heat is energy. All that energy makes those machines pretty hot.
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How Do Air Clutches Work?

Apr 2, 13 • Air ClutchesComments Off on How Do Air Clutches Work?

Oil States Air Clutch | K&L Clutch and Transmission | Industrial Air ClutchesEver wondered how air clutches work? K&L Clutch and Transmission has the expert answer!

An industrial air clutch for heavy machinery performs a very important job in relation to an engine and how power or torque is transferred. A typical engine has an output shaft as can be seen on an automobile engine at the flywheel position. A clutch is a device, usually a system of plates or grabbing disks that engage the power from the flywheel and transfer it to the transmission. A PTO, or power takeoff shaft, performs the same function and is commonly found on heavy construction equipment or farm machinery. The engine clutch engages with the PTO shaft so that it may spin or drive another component, like a tiller or peripheral device. Compressed air is used to engage or disengage the engine from the driven component, rather than using hydraulic (oil) or centrifugal force.
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New Technology Spotlight – UNIC Mini Cranes

Mar 11, 13 • Cranes, News, World NewsComments Off on New Technology Spotlight – UNIC Mini Cranes
Cool Industrial Machinery | Mini Cranes | K&L Clutch and Transmission

Image courtesy of unic-cranes.co.uk

Typically we provide clutch and transmission services for some of the world’s largest and most powerful cranes. Our crane parts, clutches, transmissions, power take-offs, torque converters and brakes can be found doing work in a wide range of countries for a variety of jobs. But sometimes jobs on a smaller scale are still too much for us to do without some assistance. For those jobs, a large crane may be too much. For some of those jobs, a large crane may not even fit.

UNIC Cranes Europe claims to have “the world’s most compact mini cranes,” and it seems like they’re right. The company, based in England, has engineered and built some of the most impressive cranes on the market. Their cranes, which they call “spider cranes,” are small, light, durable and able to reach areas that are typically very difficult to access.
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Choosing The Right Power Take Off (PTO) For Your Machine

Feb 24, 13 • NewsComments Off on Choosing The Right Power Take Off (PTO) For Your Machine

Best Power Take Off for Industrial Machine | K&L Clutch and TransmissionIf you’re here, it’s likely you don’t just have a passing interest in industrial power take-offs. You’ve either used a PTO before or are planning to use one soon. And if you’re using PTOs, you know that there is a wide range of types and brands that can be installed and utilized for various powerful machines.

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Industrial Torque Converters: The Usefulness of Torque Fluid

Feb 13, 13 • NewsComments Off on Industrial Torque Converters: The Usefulness of Torque Fluid

industrial torque converter fluid | K&L Clutch and TransmissionWater is considered one of the most important elements in nature. The prevalence of water (it covers over 70% of the earth) and it’s fundamental role in survival results in it being one of the most studied and versatile substances in existence. Humanity has figured out many ways to utilize the potential that water has, from impressive dams and turbines producing hydroelectric power to squeezing it into small pipes and spaces to provide cooling for engines. Water isn’t the only important fluid with industrial applications – another substance that has become increasingly important and adaptable is hydraulic fluid, which is an essential element in the function of industrial torque converters.  

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Power Take Offs (PTOs): The Importance of Safe Operation

Feb 12, 13 • Operation and Safety, Power Take OffsComments Off on Power Take Offs (PTOs): The Importance of Safe Operation

Power Take Offs | Safely Operating Heavy Machinery | Twin Disc PTO Distributor, K&LAs we well know, as operators and distributors of these hard-working parts, power take offs serve quite a few uses! They began around World War I as additions to tractors and have since been adapted to fit many different purposes. Dump trucks use them to lift their dump boxes and release their loads. Fire trucks use them to pump water through their hoses. They can even be installed on trucks to operate wenches and small cranes. These add-ons provide more than just extra machinery, they provide the user with a tool that can take care of almost anything they need.

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K & L Becomes the “Full Line Distributor” for WPT in North Texas Area

Feb 1, 13 • Brakes, Clutches, Industrial Mechanical Parts, New Inventory Arrivals, Power Take OffsComments Off on K & L Becomes the “Full Line Distributor” for WPT in North Texas Area

To complement our WPT Mechanical line of power products, K & L Clutch is pleased to announce their appointment as the “Full Line Distributor” in North Texas for WPT Power Products. Effective 2/1/13 we will handle the complete line of outstanding products that WPT offers. This includes Type 1 andWPT mecanical power take off image Type 2 Pneumatic and Hydraulic PTOs, Power Grip and PO Clutches, Water Cooled Brakes, Low Inertia Clutches and Brakes, Pump drives, and Caliper Brakes. With this appointment, K & L Clutch becomes the only certified service center for WPT Power Products in the North Central Texas area. If your unit is in need of repair, we can do it.

We are ready to service you now. Please call any of our experienced sales associates and ask more about the “Full Line” of WPT products we can serve you with.

Contact us for more information. We’ll get your project back up and running in no time.

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