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Heavy-Duty Centrifugal Clutches: A BLM Case History

Click to Expand BLM Automatic Clutch has been involved in some of the world’s most significant marine engineering undertakings. Our legacy is built on advanced engineering with practical application to global challenges, and our integral contribution to the St. Lawrence Seaway is a case in point. BLM’s advanced heavy-duty centrifugal clutches contributed to the ambitious […]



Frictional Clutches 101: Benefits & Applications

A clutch controls a machine’s power transmission or motion. Clutches can control these factors on-demand or over time. Frictional clutches transmit power by harnessing friction between two contacting surfaces. This mechanism offers specific benefits over other types of clutches. We will discuss these advantages, as well as the features and types of frictional clutches that […]


Why Choose Centrifugal Clutches Over Other Clutch Types

Clutches are mechanical devices that are used to transmit power from one rotating shaft to another. Many industries including, the military, mining, & agriculture rely on clutches to power different systems and equipment, and the type you choose depends on the particular requirements of your application. Here, we will go over the different types of […]


Centrifugal Clutches – Common Problems & Solutions

Centrifugal clutches, or friction clutches, are used in a wide variety of machinery and engine applications. In comparison to other types of clutches, centrifugal clutches generally have lower maintenance requirements. A well-designed and maintained centrifugal clutch should provide a long and reliable service life. Centrifugal Clutch Won’t Engage If your clutch won’t engage, It usually […]


The Importance of Centrifugal Clutches in Engines

Centrifugal clutches are integral to the operation of many mechanical devices and systems. By transmitting power between the driving components and the driven components, they enable machines to start and stop operations as needed. Below, we discuss how these devices work and what role they play with engines. How Do Centrifugal Clutches Work? All clutches […]


Should I Use a Centrifugal Clutch or a Torque Converter?

In power transmission applications, power can be transmitted from the driving component to the driven component by a variety of mechanical devices. Two of the most common devices utilized for this purpose are clutches (e.g., centrifugal clutches) and fluid couplings (e.g., torque converters). Below, we highlight how each of the devices works and what applications […]


A Message to the BLM Community Amidst COVID-19

To our BLM Customers: As we, at BLM, are monitoring the ever-changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers and suppliers. Supply Chain Impacts We are constantly monitoring for any impact. We have assessed a very low risk […]


The How and Why of Centrifugal Clutches

BLM designs and manufactures centrifugal clutches for a wide variety of small and large applications. They are integral machinery components in almost every industry, and there are numerous benefits to their usage. This critical component is ideal for starting power equipment safely and effectively. How a centrifugal clutch operates The primary purpose of a centrifugal […]

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automatic centrifugal clutches

Advantages and Disadvantages of Centrifugal Clutches

You may be familiar with centrifugal clutches (sometimes referred to as a friction clutch), a type of clutch that uses rotational (centrifugal) force from a power source to drive a shaft, chain, or belt. Centrifugal clutches can be found in chainsaws, sawmills, conveyors, compressors, and other engine applications. By using centrifugal force, the clutch shoes […]

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