Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is disclosed including a nozzle assembly having an agitator cavity and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The apparatus further includes a rotary agitator carried on the nozzle assembly in the agitator cavity. A dirt collection vessel is carried on either the nozzle assembly or the handle assembly. A drive linkage interconnects a drive motor with the rotary agitator. The drive linkage includes a ring gear including a dog clutch receiver and a dog clutch carried on the rotary agitator. The dog clutch engages the dog clutch receiver to interconnect the drive motor and the rotary agitator during normal operating conditions. In the event of an agitator Jam, the dog clutch functions to interrupt drive to the rotary agitator and protect the drive motor, rotary agitator and drive linkage from damage that might otherwise result from the overload.