Attach and Remove a PTO Driven Implement.

Introduction

This section will show you to attach, operate and remove a PTO driven implement. Before you work with a PTO driven implement. You need to be familiar with the general safety precautions described below in addition to those at the end of the OPERATING A PTO DRIVEN IMPLEMENT AND PTO SHAFT ARRANGEMENT sections.

Before attaching a PTO shaft

Make sure that the tractor parking brake is on, the PTO drive is disengaged and the tractor is out of gear or in park with the engine stopped. Attach the mounted implement to the 3-point linkage or hitch trailed implement to the tractor. Fasten the drawbar at the centre position when you attach the tractor to a PTO-driven trailed implement. See sections ATTACH AND REMOVE A 3-POINT LINKAGE IMPLEMENT and ATTACH AND REMOVE A TRAILED IMPLEMENT ON A TRACTOR.
If necessary, invert the drawbar to provide clearance between the PTO shaft and the drawbar, or extend it to get clearance between the tractor tyre and the implement on short turns. If you are using a 3-point linkage implement, check if the tractor drawbar will be in the way of the PTO shaft or the implement, if so, secure the drawbar to one side with locking pins or remove it. Ensure that the implement is level and adjusted for safe, efficient operation. Refer to the operator’s manual for the implement before you attach the PTO, remove the PTO stub shaft cover and stow safely.

Check the coupling

Check the coupling of the powershaft to make sure it has the same number of splines or grooves as the stub shaft on the tractor:
-the 540 rpm stub shaft has 6 splines .
-the 1000 rpm stub shaft has 21 splines.
If the tractor has a high speed (1000 rpm) and low speed (540 rpm) PTO, use the correct one to suit the implement to be operated. Otherwise, refer to the tractor operator’s manual for information on how to convert or adjust the tractor PTO speed. If the implement requires a peak torque in excess of 2000Nm (148016ft.lb) (look in the operator’s manual to find out) you must use 1000rpm stub shaft.

Check the powershaft

The powershaft may telescope when in use. Check that when it is fully extended, enough of the sliding shaft remains in the housing (at least 150mm) so that the shafts do not separate when the tractor is in motion. Make sure that the sliding shaft does not bottom out when the shafts are fully compressed (see operator’s manual for proper adjustment). Check that the two halves of the PTO shaft have the correct length and section size for the implement in use and that they are securely connected with the universal joints in the same plane (with the joints in phase). Most modern PTO shafts can be assembled in only one position.

Clean and lubricate

Clean the inside of the powershaft coupling of all grease and debris. If the tractor stub shaft or powershaft splines are rusty, oil them to aid in connecting the shafts. Grease the telescoping driveshafts and lubricate the grease nipples on the universal joints (if applicable) and the bearings. Make sure that the powershaft safety shields (spinner shield and bell housing) are in place and move freely.

Connecting the implement powershaft

If the PTO clutch is hydraulically activated, the control lever may need to be in neutral to allow the PTO shaft to turn for ease of PTO shaft hook up. The following connecting procedures describe two common locking devices. If the powershaft has a different type of locking device, refer to the operator’s manual for instruction.

Spring loaded lock

Ensure the tractor is turned off then slide the powershaft onto the stubshaft until resistance is felt. Then depress the pin and move the shaft about 1 cm further and then release the pin. Push the shaft forward and the locking mechanism will snap into a slight groove in the stubshaft and the powershaft will be locked in place. Try to move the powershaft back and forth to see if it slides on the stubshaft. If it does, the mechanism has not locked (slight movement is not cause for concern). Always check that the locking mechanism has engagedbefore you operate the tractor.

Bolt and nut

Ensure the tractor is turned off then insert the bolt through the side of the powershaft end and through the machined groove in the stubshaft. When tightened, the bolt and nut exert a clamping force to hold the drive shaft to the stub shaft. This locking device allows the split front end of the drive shaft to be placed over the stub shaft, always use the largest size bolt that the hole will accept. Using a lock washer or lock nut will help guard against the nut coming off. Avoid entanglement in weeds or clothing by using a suitable bolt; don’t use one that is too long.

Finally

If a trailed implement is attached, check that the PTO shaft is clear of the drawbar pin. Change the pin for different types (for example, flat-headed) if necessary. If it has been removed, replace PTO master shield, making sure it is securely attached to the tractor and undamaged.

Disconnecting the PTO shaft

Apply the parking brake, disengage the PTO drive then put the tractor in neutral or park. Lower the implement and stop engine before attempting to disconnect the PTO shaft. Reverse the connection steps and slide the powershaft off the PTO stub shaft. Do not hammer the universal joint, when removing it from the stubshaft. Make sure the powershaft is off the ground and stored securely, replace the PTO stubshaft cover as soon as the powershaft has been disconnected. Replace the PTO master shield then disconnect and store the implement. See section ATTACH AND REMOVE A TRAILED IMPLEMENT ON A TRACTOR and section ATTACH AND REMOVE A 3-POINT LINKAGE IMPLEMENT.

Prevent PTO accidents

Keep all components of PTO systems shielded and guarded. An unshielded shaft can catch loose clothing, shoe laces, ropes, loose thread, jewellery and even hair, and then quickly draw the person onto the revolving PTO shaft. Regularly test PTO master guard and shaft guards by spinning and rotating them, to ensure they have not become stuck to the shaft. Disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor BEFORE dismounting to clean, repair, service, or adjust machinery. Always walk around tractors and machinery, NEVER step over a rotating PTO shaft. Keep universal joints in phase, always use the PTO shaft recommended for your machine, never switch PTO shafts among different machines. Select the correct PTO speed to match your equipment (540 or 1000 rpm). Position the tractor’s drawbar properly for each machine used, this will help prevent shaft stress and separation on uneven terrain and tight turns. Reduce PTO shaft damage by avoiding tight turns that pinch rotating shafts between the tractor and machine, when the telescoping portion of the implement PTO shaft separates it allows the powered end to flail about and injure those nearby. Keep excessive telescoping to a minimum, use the correct length shaft for your tractor and implement (shorten the shaft if you need to). Don’t operate the PTO universal joints past 30° because the universal joint may be damaged or lock. Engage PTO gradually and avoid over tightening of slip clutches on PTO driven machines.

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