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Designed for reliable torque transmission, controlled engagement.

DESCH Planox® shiftable friction clutches are designed for reliable power transmission in demanding industrial applications that require frequent engagement and disengagement of loads. Engineered for smooth operation and dependable performance, they help maximize efficiency while minimizing wear in challenging operating environments.

With a robust, modular design and long service life, Planox® clutches can be adapted to meet a wide range of operational requirements while reducing maintenance demands. Backed by proven DESCH engineering, they are ideally suited for the following industries and applications:

Road milling machines

Crushers

Shredders

Belt conveyors

On deck equipment

Ship main propulsion

Combine harvesters

Municipal vehicles

Piston pumps

Hoists

Compressors

Extruders

And other applications

Planox® PHA actuated hydraulically, bell-shaped model

With the hydraulically engageable Planox® clutch type PHA, the oil is supplied axially through the shaft. In terms of dimensions, applications, and torque measurement, the PHA design corresponds to the PMA design, whereby the power take-off can only take place via belt drives or comparable drive elements.

  • Hydraulically actuated
  • Axial oil supply through the shaft
  • Rapid acceleration of machines or machine groups
  • Precisely adjustable transferable torque
Torque765 Nm to 17,300 Nm
Housing ConnectionSAE 6 to SAE 00
Flywheel Connection8″ – 21″
Planox_PHA_400x400

Planox® PHRA hydraulically actuated, bell-shaped model, radial oil feed

The hydraulically engageable Planox® clutch of type PHRA corresponds to type PPR in terms of function and mode of operation. Due to the bell-shaped housing, it is identical to the PMA type in terms of dimensions, applications, and torque specifications.

  • Hydraulically actuated
  • Radial oil feed
  • Rapid acceleration of machines or machine groups
  • Precisely adjustable transferable torque
Torque765 Nm to 17,530 Nm
Housing ConnectionSAE 6 to SAE 00
Flywheel Connection8″ – 21″
Planox PHRA_SR_400x400

Planox® PM mechanically actuated

The mechanically engageable Planox® multi-disc friction clutches of type PM are characterized by the resilient contact pressure of the friction elements. This elastic contact pressure reduces torque peaks during the engagement process. The Planox® PM clutch is supplied as a shaft/shaft (PMW) or shaft/flange (PMF) design.

  • Mechanically actuated
  • Limits peak torque during start-up
  • Precisely set and limited torque
  • Automatic adjustment across a relatively large wear range
Torque150 Nm to 6,100 Nm
Planox_PM_400x400

Planox® PMA actuated mechanically, bell-shaped model

The Planox® clutch is specifically designed for mounting diesel engines. Its integrated bell-shaped housing contains the complete clutch and bearing assembly, while the robust drive shaft bearing supports power take-off through flexible couplings, cardan shafts or belt drives for demanding industrial applications.

  • Mechanically actuated
  • Bell-shaped housing design
  • Suitable for diesel engine mounting
  • Limits peak torque during start-up
Torque150 Nm to 6,100 Nm
Housing ConnectionSAE 6 to SAE 00
Flywheel Connection6″ to 18″
Planox_PMA_400x400

Planox® PP switched on pneumatically

The Planox® clutch type PP is a pneumatically actuated clutch that delivers precise, air-controlled torque transmission with automatic wear compensation. Commonly used as a safety clutch in demanding applications such as plastic extruders, it provides reliable overload protection and consistent performance in high-load drive systems.

  • Pneumatically actuated
  • Precise torque adjustment through compressed-air supply
  • Automatic wear compensation through piston stroke
  • Rapid acceleration of machines or machine groups
Torque150 Nm to 1,000,000 Nm
Planox_PP_400x400

Planox® PPA actuated pneumatically, bell-shaped model

The pneumatically engageable Planox® clutch type PPA corresponds to type PP in terms of function and mode of operation. Due to the bell-shaped housing design, it is identical to the PMA type in terms of dimensions, applications and torque specifications, whereby the power take-off can be carried out exclusively via belt drives or comparable drive elements.

  • Precise torque adjustment through compressed-air supply
  • Wear compensation through piston stroke
  • Rapid acceleration of machines or machine groups
  • Protection of connected drive components
Torque150 Nm to 10,500 Nm
Housing ConnectionSAE 6 to SAE 00
Flywheel Connection6″ to 24″
Planox_PPA_400x400

Planox® PPR switched on pneumatically, radial air supply

The Planox® clutch type PPR is a pneumatically actuated clutch with a radial compressed air supply that provides reliable torque transmission and smooth engagement. Its bearing-supported switching mechanism and automatic wear compensation ensure consistent performance, making it well suited for demanding industrial drive applications.

  • Radial compressed-air supply
  • Bearing-supported switching mechanism
  • Precise torque adjustment through compressed-air supply
  • Wear compensation through piston stroke
Torque180 Nm to 22,000 Nm
Planox_PPR_400x400

Planox® PPRA actuated pneumatically, bell-shaped model, radial air supply

The pneumatically engageable Planox® clutch type PPRA corresponds to type PPR in terms of function and mode of operation. Due to the bell-shaped housing design, it is identical to type PMA in terms of dimensions, applications, and torque specifications.

  • Pneumatically actuated
  • Radial compressed-air supply
  • Bearing-supported switching mechanism
  • Precise torque adjustment through compressed-air supply
Torque150 Nm to 15,000 Nm
Housing ConnectionSAE 6 to SAE 00
Flywheel Connection6″ to 24″
Planox_PPRA_800x800

Planox® PT loaded by cup springs

The Planox® PT is a torque-limiting friction clutch in which permanently pre-tensioned compression spring columns generate a defined transferable torque. When the set torque is exceeded during operation, the clutch slips to protect the drivetrain from overload. Wear is automatically compensated by the compression springs, with the possibility of further adjustment where required.

  • Cup-spring loaded
  • Precisely adjustable transferable torque
  • Defined torque limitation
  • Drivetrain protection during overload
Torque1,320 Nm to 990,000 Nm
Planox_PT_400x400

Planox® PTF slipping clutches

The Planox® PTF is a dry-running slipping clutch designed to provide cost-effective torque limitation and drivetrain protection. Organic friction linings allow the clutch to slip when the defined torque limit is exceeded, helping protect connected components from overload. Its compact design makes the PTF straightforward to integrate into existing drive systems.

  • Dry-running
  • Organic friction linings
  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to integrate into a given system
Torque500 Nm to 5,000 Nm
Planox_PTF_Slipping_Clutches_400x400

Choosing The Right Clutch For The Job

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right DESCH product for your specific application.

Conditions

From environmental exposure to system constraints, the right solution must align with how your equipment runs.

Key factors to assess include:

  • Continuous and peak torque
  • Starting and acceleration loads
  • Operating speed

Torque & Protection

The key is not where they’re used, but how they perform in your application.

When evaluating use cases, consider:

  • Required torque transmission and peak load handling
  • Need for overload protection vs. continuous operation

Actuation & Installation

DESCH clutches are available in multiple actuation types, each suited to different operational needs.

Our options include:

  • Hydraulic actuation
  • Pneumatic actuation
  • Mechanical actuation
  • Cup-spring loading

Maintain For Longevity

While DESCH products are engineered for long-term performance, appropriate maintenance helps protect reliability, extend service life, and prevent avoidable downtime.

  • Select the clutch according to the required torque, speed, duty cycle, and operating conditions.
  • Install and commission the clutch according to the applicable DESCH documentation.
  • Check torque settings and actuation systems regularly.
  • Monitor friction components and investigate changes in engagement, slipping, noise, or operating behaviour.

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