Description
PTO Shaft Shear Bolt Torque Limiter – SB/SBT1 Series
The PTO Shaft Shear Bolt Torque Limiter – SB/SBT1 Series is a premium-quality shear bolt torque limiter specifically engineered for PTO (Power Take-Off) drive shaft systems used across agricultural, industrial, and forestry machinery. Also known as a PTO slip clutch, PTO safety clutch, or tractor PTO overload protector, this device safeguards your expensive equipment from damage caused by sudden torque overloads, obstructions, and operational jamming.
Available Models: 1SB, 1SBT1, 2SB, 2SBT1, 3SB, 3SBT1, 4SB, 4SBT1, 5SB, 5SBT1, 6SB, 6SBT1, 32SB, 32SBT1, 7SB, 7SBT1, 7NSB, 7NSBT1, 8SB, 8SBT1, 8SB.C, 8SBT1.C, 38SB, 9SB, 9SBT1, 9SB.C, 9SBT1.C, 10SB, 10SBT1, 10SB.C, 10SBT1.C, 36SB, 36SBT1, 42SB, 42SBT1, 42SB.C, 42SBT1.C
Torque Range: Torque: 570–4500 Nm
Spline Options: 1 3/8″ Z6, 1 3/8″ Z6, 1 3/4″ Z6
Key Components: Yoke, Grease nipple, Steel ball, Hub, Push pin, Shear bolt & Nut
Technical Specifications & Dimensions
| Series | Torque (Nm) | Spline | A (mm) | B (mm) | C (mm) | D (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1SB | 570 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 95 | 20 | 35 | M6×40 |
| 1SBT1 | 740 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 95 | 20 | 45 | M6×40 |
| 2SB | 740 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 98 | 20 | 45 | M6×40 |
| 2SBT1 | 790 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 98 | 20 | 48 | M6×40 |
| 3SB | 1110 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 102 | 21 | 38 | M8×45 |
| 3SBT1 | 1200 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 102 | 21 | 40 | M8×45 |
| 4SB | 1400 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 107 | 21 | 48 | M8×50 |
| 4SBT1 | 1600 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 107 | 21 | 55 | M8×50 |
| 5SB | 1600 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 114 | 21 | 55 | M8×45 |
| 5SBT1 | 2100 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 114 | 21 | 46 | M10×50 |
| 6SB | 1750 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 137 | 21 | 60 | M8×55 |
| 6SBT1 | 2500 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 137 | 21 | 55 | M10×55 |
| 32SB | 1600 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 114 | 21 | 55 | M8×45 |
| 32SBT1 | 2100 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 114 | 21 | 46 | M10×50 |
| 7SB | 2050 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 45 | M10×60 |
| 7SBT1 | 3200 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 49 | M12×65 |
| 7NSB | 2300 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 139 | 24 | 50 | M10×65 |
| 7NSBT1 | 3000 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 139 | 24 | 60 | M10×65 |
| 8SB | 2700 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 8SBT1 | 3500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M12×65 |
| 8SB.C | 2700 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M10×65 |
| 8SBT1.C | 3500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 38SB | 2700 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M10×65 |
| 9SB | 3500 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 9SBT1 | 4000 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M12×65 |
| 9SB.C | 3500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 9SBT1.C | 4000 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M12×65 |
| 10SB | 3500 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 49 | M14×70 |
| 10SBT1 | 4500 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 10SB.C | 3500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 49 | M14×70 |
| 10SBT1.C | 4500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 49 | M14×70 |
| 36SB | 2400 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 137 | 24 | 53 | M10×65 |
| 36SBT1 | 3200 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 137 | 24 | 49 | M10×65 |
| 42SB | 3500 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 42SBT1 | 4000 | 1 3/8″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M12×65 |
| 42SB.C | 3500 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 57 | M12×65 |
| 42SBT1.C | 4000 | 1 3/4″Z6 | 152 | 24 | 60 | M12×65 |
* All dimensions in millimeters. Torque values in Newton-meters (Nm). Spline specifications follow ISO/ASAE standards. Contact us for custom configurations.

Key Features & Advantages
🔒
Precision Overload Protection
Calibrated to disconnect at exact torque thresholds, preventing costly damage to gearboxes, bearings, and implement mechanisms.
⚡
Rapid Response Time
Triggers within milliseconds of overload onset, minimizing the duration of damaging torque transfer to connected equipment.
🔧
Easy Maintenance & Service
Simple modular design allows fast field service with standard tools. Replacement parts are readily available and affordable.
🏭
Industrial-Grade Materials
Precision-machined from hardened alloy steel with heat-treated critical surfaces for maximum durability and service life.
🛠
Universal PTO Compatibility
Standard 1 3/8″ Z6 spline interface fits all major tractor and implement PTO shafts without adapters or modification.
⛳
Sealed & Protected Design
Grease-lubricated internals with dust seals protect against contamination in harsh agricultural environments.
How It Works — Operating Principle
The shear bolt torque limiter operates on a straightforward yet highly effective mechanical principle. A precision-grade shear bolt connects the driving and driven halves of the clutch assembly. Under normal operating conditions, the shear bolt transmits full rotational torque from the PTO shaft to the connected implement. When torque exceeds the bolt’s calibrated shear strength — caused by a sudden jam, obstruction, or overload — the bolt shears cleanly at its designed breakpoint. This instantaneously disconnects the driveline, preventing the overload from reaching and damaging expensive downstream components such as gearboxes, bearings, and implement mechanisms. The system resets by simply replacing the sheared bolt with a new one of the correct grade, restoring full operation within minutes.
Reset Method: Manual — replace shear bolt (supplied in kit)
Best Suited For: Applications with infrequent overloads where precise trip torque and maximum safety are paramount
Typical Agricultural Application Scenarios
Rotary Mowers & Flail Mowers
Protects the mower gearbox from damage when blades strike hidden rocks, stumps, or metal debris. The torque limiter absorbs the shock load and prevents it from reaching the tractor PTO.
Hay Balers & Round Balers
Prevents baler mechanism damage during slug feeding, twine wrapping failures, or foreign object ingestion by disconnecting the driveline before damaging torque levels are reached.
Rotary Tillers & Cultivators
Guards the tiller gearbox and tractor PTO when tines encounter buried rocks, roots, or compacted soil layers that can generate extreme torque spikes.
Manure Spreaders
Protects the beater mechanism and gearbox from overload when encountering frozen clumps, foreign objects, or uneven material distribution in the hopper.
Feed Mixers & TMR Wagons
Safeguards the mixer auger drive from damage caused by twine wrap, frozen feed blocks, or excessive loading that generates torque beyond design limits.

Torque Limiter Type Comparison
| Feature | Ball Detent | Friction Disc | Shear Pin/Bolt | Ratchet (Pawl) | Automatic (Cam) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torque Range | Low–Medium | Medium–High | Low–Very High | Low–High | Medium–High |
| Speed Range | 540–1000 RPM | 540–1000 RPM | 540–1000 RPM | 540–1000 RPM | 540–1000 RPM |
| Reset Method | Automatic | Automatic (slip) | Manual (replace bolt) | Automatic (ratchet) | Automatic (cam) |
| Best Application | Light implements | Frequent moderate overloads | Infrequent severe overloads | Frequent transient overloads | High-utilization, no consumables |
| Consumable Parts | None | Friction linings (long life) | Shear bolts | None | None |
| Torque Precision | Moderate | Good (adjustable) | Excellent (bolt-grade calibrated) | Good | Very Good (adjustable) |
Installation & Usage Guide
Installation Steps
Step 1: Verify that the PTO shaft spline size matches the torque limiter spline specification (1 3/8″ Z6, 1 3/8″ Z6, 1 3/4″ Z6). Clean all spline surfaces thoroughly.
Step 2: Slide the torque limiter onto the PTO shaft spline, ensuring full engagement. Secure with the provided push pin kit or retaining hardware.
Step 3: Connect the output side (yoke or splined shaft) to the implement input shaft or gearbox. Ensure proper alignment and secure all fasteners to the recommended torque.
Step 4: Apply grease through the grease nipple to lubricate the spline interface and internal components. Use lithium-based EP grease (NLGI #2).
Step 5: Perform a low-speed test run to verify correct engagement and smooth operation before full-power operation.
Safety & Maintenance Tips
⚠ Always disengage the tractor PTO before inspecting or servicing the torque limiter.
⚠ Use only genuine replacement parts specified for your series to maintain the correct torque rating.
⚠ Re-grease spline connections every 8 operating hours or as specified in your equipment manual.
⚠ Inspect for wear, cracks, or damage before each season. Replace worn components immediately.
⚠ Never operate with damaged or missing PTO shaft safety shields.
Selection Guide — Choosing the Right Model
Selecting the correct torque limiter requires confirming the following parameters:
✓ Required Torque Rating (Nm): Match the implement’s maximum operating torque plus a 20–30% safety margin.
✓ PTO Shaft Spline Size: Commonly 1 3/8″ Z6 (6-spline) or 1 3/4″ Z6/Z20. Verify both input and output spline requirements.
✓ PTO Speed: Standard 540 RPM or economy 1000 RPM — confirm your implement’s requirement.
✓ Connection Type: Yoke output for standard shaft tubes, splined shaft for inline assemblies, or flanged output for direct gearbox mounting.
✓ Overload Frequency: Frequent overloads favor auto-reset types (ratchet, friction, automatic). Infrequent but severe overloads suit shear bolt types.
✓ Environmental Conditions: Consider dust, moisture, temperature extremes. Sealed automatic and friction types offer superior protection in harsh environments.
Need help choosing? Contact our engineering team for personalized selection assistance.
Quality Certification & Service Commitment
✅
ISO 9001:2015
Certified quality management system ensuring consistent product excellence
✅
CE Marked
Compliant with European safety, health, and environmental protection standards
💪
12-Month Warranty
Full warranty against manufacturing defects under normal operating conditions
🚚
Global Shipping
Fast worldwide delivery with professional export packaging and documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Our Customers Say
🇦🇺 James M. — Grain farmer, NSW, Australia
“We fitted these torque limiters on all our header drives after losing a gearbox last harvest. They’ve triggered twice on hidden rocks and saved us thousands in repairs each time. Absolutely essential equipment for Australian broadacre farming.”
★★★★★
🇩🇪 Hans K. — Agricultural contractor, Bavaria, Germany
“Excellent build quality — typical of what we expect for professional machinery. The torque ratings are accurate and the fit on our Walterscheid PTO shafts is perfect. We’ve standardized on these across our fleet.”
★★★★★
🇧🇷 Carlos S. — Sugarcane equipment dealer, São Paulo, Brazil
“Reliable performance in extremely tough conditions. Brazilian sugarcane operations are brutal on drivelines, and these limiters consistently protect our customers’ equipment. Great value for the price.”
★★★★★
🇨🇦 Robert T. — Hay producer, Alberta, Canada
“Running on our round balers through three seasons now without a single issue. The auto-reset feature is a huge advantage during busy harvest — no stopping to replace shear bolts when you hit a gopher mound.”
★★★★★
🇮🇳 Vikram P. — Farm equipment distributor, Punjab, India
“Excellent product for the Indian market. Compatible with all major tractor brands including Mahindra, TAFE, and Sonalika. Our customers appreciate the reliability and competitive pricing.”
★★★★★
Related PTO Shaft Products & Accessories
PTO Shaft Components
Complete range of PTO shaft yokes, cross bearings, tubes, shields, and adapters for all standard sizes.
Agricultural Gearboxes
Matched gearboxes designed to work seamlessly with our PTO shafts and torque limiters.
