I've got 2 tractors and am starting to accumulate PTO driven implements. I'm also considering getting a Pat's Easy Change due to recent minor blood loss while taking my chipper off.
I realize that a PEC will move the implements about 4" further back so I might need an extension.
This caused me to start looking up new longer PTO shafts.
WHAT a range in prices!
Is there a source that lists the common type of PTO hookups? Such as a PHD takes smooth, some implements 6 spline etc.
There are different classes of PTO shafts, which accounts for the wide price range. Contrary to what you might expect, it's not matched to what's turning it - it's matched to what it turns. As such, the class of shaft is linked to the input power requirement of the implement. For example, a cultivator/tiller needs a much heavier class of shaft that would say a sprayer. I can't say for sure without knowing what kind of implements you own, but it's probably wise to limit your window shopping to Class 4 PTO shafts.
Slip clutches too are matched to the implement, for much the same reason. A clutch mounted to a rotary cutter for example, is typically set to slip at a different torque value than say one on a wood chipper. The question of smooth or splined depends upon the input shaft of the implement to which it will be attached.
I agree with everything said above. But in my case, using a Pat's on my previous tractor and now using a Quick Hitch on this tractor, I've not found a PTO shaft that was too short. Sure it moves the operational length, but every shaft I have was designed with an overkill amount of extension not being used.
More so than PTO shaft length issues, you'll find that your top link may come up short and have to be replaced with a longer one.
Having used a Pat's and a Quick Hitch I now only use the Quick Hitch. If I buy a new attachment I immediately make sure it will fit the Quick Hitch and never take mine off. Saves all that blood loss when hooking to an attachment.
In my case I moved up to a CAT II tractor. You don't move CAT II attachments around by hand to get hooked up. If your tractor does not have extendable lower arms hooking/unhooking attachments can be extremely frustrating.
Thanks greg, I figured they vary all over the place, but for instance at Agri-Supply they have one for $90 which looks suitable for a PHD, whereas at TSC the least expensive looks like it's $250. And at Surplus Center most are between $120 and $200.
Some give ratings like class 8 or GR6 910.
I buy a lot of things on Craigs List and am looking for a reference source for the PTO descriptions.
I'm looking for a link to a "PTO Rosetta stone".
So when I see at 0100 a CL list for say, a PTO sprayer for a ridiculously low price I can determine if it's worth it without the PTO shaft just by looking up generals specs.
As far as PTO adapters go I'm planning on getting a couple "just in case".
