8483.60 - Clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints):

HTS category 8483.60 encompasses clutches and shaft couplings designed to connect rotating shafts. This includes devices that engage or disengage power transmission between shafts (clutches) and components that join two shafts together, allowing for misalignment or flexibility (shaft couplings), such as universal joints. These items are crucial for transmitting mechanical power within machinery.

This category is distinct from its siblings within 8483, which cover other power transmission components. For instance, while 8483.10 covers transmission shafts themselves, 8483.60 focuses on the devices that connect these shafts. Similarly, it differs from bearing-related categories (8483.20 and 8483.30) and gearing/speed changers (8483.40) by specifically addressing the coupling and engagement mechanisms between rotating shafts.

The subcategories within 8483.60 provide further specificity for classification. The 8483.60.40 subcategory is reserved for clutches and universal joints, indicating a specific grouping for these common types of shaft couplings. The residual category, 8483.60.80.00, captures "Other" clutches and shaft couplings not specifically defined elsewhere within 8483.60, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all items falling under this general description.