Operating a PTO Driven Implement and PTO Shaft Arrangement.

PTO shaft arrangement

Arrange the PTO shaft correctly to avoid jerking motion, vibration of the shaft systems and wear on universal joints. With a trailed implement, ensure that the universal joints of the PTO operate at the same angle when viewed from above. Some implements do not require equal angle hitches because they have constant velocity joints, however you still need to follow the manufacturer’s hitch dimensions for correct slip joint operation, these hitch dimensions are different for 540 rpm and 1000 rpm equipment. For an equal angle hitch, ensure that the hitchpoint is equal distance from the end of the PTO stubshaft and the implement input shaft. You may need to extend the tractor hitch and shorten the implement hitch to achieve this. When a 3-point linkage implement is in operation, ensure that the universal joints of the PTO operate at the same angle when viewed from the side. Ensure that the stub shaft, PTO shaft and implement input shaft are aligned, when viewed from above.

Operating PTO driven implement

Set the tractor control for correct PTO speed for the implement to be operated. Refer to the operator’s manual for your machinery. Use the gear and speed selection chart which can be found on the tractor either as a chart on the dash panel, or incorporated with the tachometer, to determine the correct engine speed, ground speed and gear selection. You can use the PTO economy range (540rpm) when you need the speed of the PTO but not the power; for example if you are running a pump, don’t pay for extra fuel if you don’t need the power for the job. Some tractors have a special gear lever for PTO economy range. Operate the tractor at the engine speed rated for best efficiency, but don’t overload it.

Use of the Travel Speed Chart

The travel speed chart will be found on the tractor, the sample is from a Massey Ferguson operator’s manual and it is on the right hand fender of the tractor. Use this chart and the tachometer for checking the tractor ground speed when travelling in a speed limited area or establishing the correct gear and engine speed to comply with the requirements of PTO driven implements. Here’s how to read the Travel Speed Chart. First find the letters H-high, M-medium, L-low on the left of the chart, these are the gear ranges, the number on the left of each horizontal bar is the gear lever selection, you can see that you have four gear lever selections in each range. Locate the bold horizontal bars on the chart, these give you the ground (road) speed range in each gear, between two engine speeds. The information in the little box gives the engine operating speed range, in this example 1200 to 2200 rev/min. The 540 PT0 engine speed is 1900 rev/min, the 1000 PT0 speed is 2000 rev/min. The small gap in each bar indicates the point within each ground speed range at which the PTO shaft will be operating at either 540 rev/min (engine set at 1902 rev/min) or 1000 rev/min (engine set at 2000 rev/min) depending on the PTO shaft fitted. This can be related to the road speed in kph or mph at the top and bottom of the chart.

Here’s an example if the operator requires 540 PTO speed at 9 kph road speed set the engine speed to 1900 rev/min then find the 9kph at the top of the chart. Look down to find a horizontal bar with a gap opposite or close to the 9kph speed, in this case it is 3rd gear, M-medium range.

Starting

If the tractor is equipped with an independent PTO, (live drive) slowly engage the PTO with the engine at idle speed. Allow the implement to operate for a few seconds while you check its operating properly. Increase the throttle setting to open, shift the transmission into the desired gear and slowly engage the clutch to put the tractor in motion. When you start to move, quickly open the throttle until the obtain the correct engine speed. If the tractor is equipped with a continuous running PTO controlled by a two-stage clutch, the procedure is similar, except that PTO rotation is controlled by the lower portion of the clutch travel, and forward motion of the tractor is controlled by the upper portion of the clutch travel. If the powershaft separates during operation, disengage the PTO immediately and stop the tractor.

Stopping with an implement attached to the PTO

Slow the engine operating speed to idle, this reduces damage to tractors fitted with a PTO brake then disengage the PTO, this allows the implement to gradually slow down.

Working Safely

In addition to the general safety precautions always park the tractor and implement safely, PTO disengaged, implement down, handbrake on and tractor out of gear. Lower the implement and stop the engine before you service or make any adjustments to the implement attached to the PTO. Keep the PTO guards and shields in place,even when the PTO is not operating. Keep others away from the PTO and the implements. Always disengage the PTO when not in use, never start the tractor with the PTO engaged. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from PTO parts always be sure your clothing fits snugly. Never operate PTO shafts at extreme angles. If possible, disengage the PTO before you leave the seat of the tractor. Never ride, or permit others to ride, on the drawbar of the tractor. Never operate a 540-rpm implement at 1000-rpm or vice-versa, refer to implement operator’s manual for correct PTO speed. Be sure that the PTO spinner shields rotate freely at all times, disengage all power and shut off the tractors engine before checking spinner shields. Always be sure the implement’s powershaft is properly secured to the PTO stubshaft. Do not service, lubricate, or perform other work on an implement or tractor without first disengaging the PTO and shutting off the tractors engine. Lock the rolling drawbar in a fixed position on trailing PTO implements.

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