PTO Question: 540 vs. 1000 RPM

[ddivinia]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 540rpm and 1000 RPM PTOs.

Thanks,
D.

 

[RogerH]

540 rpm has been a standard PTO speed since the 1920's and there are many attachments that use that speed.

1000 rpm is a newer standard that came about for use with higher HP tractors. Since HP = Speed X Torque, increasing the speed allows the same HP to be transmitted with less torque. Therefore the long PTO shafts don't have to be so big.
There are fewer attachments available for 1000 rpm PTOs, and those that are available generally are those that require more HP to run.

I am not aware of a compact tractor that offers 1000 rpm PTO.

 

[daTeacha]

For the neophytes here, lots of things like mowers have a built in gearbox to adjust a standard input rpm such as 540 to the designed operating speed of the blades. Exceeding the input rate causes overspeeding of the blades. A few rpm aren't critical, but running a bush hog designed for a 540 rpm input at 1000 rpm is asking for serious problems. The tip speed of the blades will be way beyond the design limits, inducing a lot of centrifugal (sic) force on the steel. If you hit a rock or something at those speeds you're going go have some very high energy missiles. You might have that anyways since the blades are designed to swing on a pin or shaft of some type on the periphery of a rotating hub, and those pins might be sheared just by the centrifugal (sic) forces involved.

 

[ddivinia]

OK - cool stuff. All my stuff is 540, but I saw there was an option for 1000RPM and I was not sure why they made different models.

Thanks,
D.

 

[RoyJackson]

The gear box would probably go before the blades.

 

[NHeuro]

I've a 540 and a 750 on my tce
The 750 can also be used as a 540E ==> 540 rpm but at lower engine rpm
+-500-600 rpm lower ==> lower sound and lower fuel comsumption
I use this for my 72 " finish mower and other light things

 

[ddivinia]

What is the difference in CAT 4 and Cat 5 with 540 RPM PTO?

Looking at a JD 348 baler and it has cat 4. I notice the Cat 5 has dual clutch.

D.

 

[jenkinsph]

the cat 5 drive line is a stronger heavier build than the cat 4 and will handle higher loads.

 

[ddivinia]

OK - it seems most of the 348 balers I see have Cat 4 drivelines but Cat 5 is optional.

Not sure it really matters as long as it works.

D.

 

[corey9212]

the cat 5 drive line is a stronger heavier build than the cat 4 and will handle higher loads.

That's interesting, I never knew there was different category drive lines. Is there a standard for them (certain cat for certain HP? Ect.)