What is the difference between independent and live PTO?

[Jstpssng]

I'm used to live PTO, but have been specing out the Mahindra shuttles and am not sure how independent works with the single stage clutch.
Just curious, I would have been very interested in the 1526 if I had the time to look more when shopping last year.
(Although for the price I probably would have bought the geared 3901DT which was my first choice to begin with.)

 

[Shaneard]

My guess without looking it up is independent runs off hydraulics, independent of itself instead of using the clutch/driveshaft.

 

[Jstpssng]

Gotcha! :thumbsup:

 

[LouNY]

An independent PTO will have its own clutch, independent of the engine/transmission clutch.
A live PTO will usually work off a two stage clutch engine/transmission/pto.
Some of your hydros with a live pto will use your main clutch to engage and stay engaged till you clutch again with your hydro providing your motion control.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
Thank you. Does that system usually seem to work out better, worse, or is it just different?

 

[iflywhatevr]

I would love if my CK35 had an independent PTO. Would be nice to not have to stop it engage/disengage the PTO many times while getting work done.

 

[LouNY]

The independent PTO was a major upgrade back in the 50's, it made pto work much nicer and more productive.
You can engage and disengage the pto at any time without having to use the foot clutch,
many independent pto's have a brake built in to slow down the powered implement.
This also greatly reduces the need for an over running pto clutch.
You can use your clutch to stop and your implement can still be powered, you can get your implement up to speed before using your clutch to move the tractor;
such as getting your brush hog or finish mower or any pto powered equipment up to operating speed without the tractor moving.

 

[airbiscuit]

The independent PTO was a major upgrade back in the 50's, it made pto work much nicer and more productive.
You can engage and disengage the pto at any time without having to use the foot clutch,
many independent pto's have a brake built in to slow down the powered implement.
This also greatly reduces the need for an over running pto clutch.
You can use your clutch to stop and your implement can still be powered, you can get your implement up to speed before using your clutch to move the tractor;
such as getting your brush hog or finish mower or any pto powered equipment up to operating speed without the tractor moving.

Pretty Good Description.

My John Deere 850 (gear) was live PTO
Let out the clutch 1/2 way the PTO engages. Let it out all the way, the tractor starts to move, If you are using a rotary cutter and you hit a thick patch, you push the clutch in 1/2 way - the PTO keeps running, but the tractor stops.

My New Holland T2310 (gear shuttle) has independent PTO.
The clutch only starts or stops tractor movement. There is a lever I pull up to engage or disengage the PTO. As long as the lever is up, the PTO is engaged, whether the tractor is moving or not.

I prefer the independent PTO.

 

[CalG]

The Hurliman has a true Independent PTO with a control handle on the "dash" to engage and release the PTO Clutch.

Great system!

The Fordson on the other hand has a PTO which runs off the engine to transmission coupling, and will drive the tractor through any attachment even when the clutch is released. Scary with a PTO driven snow blower etc. No issues for ground engaging implements. or stationary PTO needs.

 

[airbiscuit]

Somewhat off topic, but I had a Shibaura SD1500 grey market tractor that had neither live nor independent PTO. The PTO was run off the transmission. You let the clutch out, and the tractor moved and the PTO engaged simultaneously. All well and good, however ------ One day I was cutting heavy grass with a rotary cutter, pushed the clutch in, and the tractor kept moving forward! The spinning cutter blades were driving the PTO shaft, and powering the transmission from the rear.

I quit mowing for the day and went to buy an overrunning clutch. Not a problem on all older tractors, but it is on plenty of grey market tractors.