Introduction to 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.

When replacing a governor, it is important to use the correct governor for your application.  Some governors will run at a fixed speed – the Constant Speed type.  Some will run at different speeds – the Variable Speed type.  Your old governor will have a Hoof model number stamped in the housing.  Please have that number when inquiring about a replacement.

It is vitally important that installation instructions are followed when replacing a governor.  Improper installation will void any warranty.  Please refer to our instruction section for a downloadable set of instructions.

We try to stock and have ready to ship the most popular Hoof models.  In some cases, a governor will have to be built.  Please allow 3-5 business days for non-stock models.

All governors will require a core to be returned.  A core charge will be added to every sale.  When a core is returned to us, we will issue a refund for the core charge.  Core charges vary from $250.00 to $400.00 depending on the model number.