Information about Hoof Governors

Mechanical governors have been used for many years in a variety of engines.  Today they are used in everything from industrial generators, chippers, and airport tugs.  Mechanical governors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the principle remains the same.  The governor shaft is driven by the engine at a fix ratio.  The governor’s rotating flywheel weights develop a centrifugal force in relation to the speed at which they rotate.  The centrifugal force is counteracted by the governor spring.  When the centrifugal force equals the spring force, the system is in balance and the engine speed remains fixed.