The declutch or ‘AE’ option, available on the RE and CE Series motors, has been specifically designed for applications requiring the motor to have the ability to “freewheel” when not pressurized. By making minor changes to internal components, the torque required to turn the output shaft is minimal. Selection of this option allows freewheeling speeds up to 1,000 RPM depending on the displacement of the motor and duty cycle of the application.

To enable the motor to perform this function, the standard rotor assembly is replaced with a freeturn rotor assembly. Next, the standard balance plate and endcover is replaced with a special wear plate and ported endcover. The wear plate features seven holes that connect the stator pockets to each other. The ported endcover features a movable piston capable of sealing the seven holes in the wear plate.

When standard motor function is required, pressure is supplied to the endcover port, moving the piston against the wear plate. This action seals the seven holes allowing the motor to function as normal. However, when pressure is removed from the endcover port, the pressure created by the turning rotor assembly pushes the piston away from the wear plate, opening the rotor pockets to each other. In this condition, oil may circulate freely within the rotor and endcover assemblies, allowing the rotor assembly to rotate freely within the motor.

This option is especially useful in applications ranging from winch drives to towable wheel drives. Depending on the valves and hydraulic circuitry, operation of the freewheel function may be manually or automatically selected.