ePTO Worth It?

[PioneerMan]

I like the idea of the ePTO a lot, but seem to see few tractors with this option. Is it not considered worth while? Any comments from experience?

 

[Johndeere3720]

EPTO is basically a 2 speed PTO. So you achieve 540 RPM at lower idle speeds, this increases wear yet you will see little difference in fuel consumption vs. regular PTO because there is a lot more strain on the engine. It wears components faster too. My Yanmar has a 2 speed PTO, 540 rpm and 770 rpm. I could use 770 rpm at low idle an achieve an EPTO but the wear and cost of new parts makes it not practical. just my :2cents:

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

When we bought the 5420, it was a $1600 option. Diesel at the time was 1.89 so assume it might save 10% in fuel.
$1600 would buy 581 gallons averaged at $2.75/gal since 1982.
Doing the math, 581 gallons would run the tractor for 290 hours at pto speed.
Since the projected savings is 10%, you have to multiply the hours times 10 to see where you break even. =2900 hours
We've only put a total of about 450 hours on it taking care of our place since 1982. That's only 50 hours a year. I guess it would pay itself off for us in 58 years.

The good news is, I think it is packaged now on tractors and the price is probably less as it is "absorbed" into the package cost.

 

[JD3520Turbo]

I think it is a great idea, because there are many times when I am spraying and clipping pastures where I am not straining the engine at all, just need that 540, and I hate to hear the engine sit there wound up for no reason other than to achieve 540 rpm. I am looking a 5083E, and that is one the features that I am most excited about.

 

[AKfish]

I'm looking forward to using the ePTO with my rake and the tedder. I don't think that the engine is gonna be "straining" too hard with either the rake or the tedder...

Rapidly moving parts with mated surfaces create friction and heat. Heat causes surfaces to wear - wear causes components to fail.

Less heat - lower failure rate.

Tractor engine operates at a lower rpm. Saves on fuel (nearly $5/gal here) and less wear on engine and downstream components; transmission and differentials.

IMO - energy costs are continuing to increase - not decrease. Part's and repairs are continuing to keep pace with energy costs - upward trend as well.

I hope to be running my tractors for another 20 years.

I'm willing to "gamble" that the upfront expense for ePTO is gonna be a worthwhile expenditure.

AKfish

 

[Zebrafive]

I agree with AKfish, reduced rpm of the engine will result in reduced wear. If using the E-PTO is straining the engine, that's your clue to switch to the std PTO. As long as the engine is not straining or lugging, E-PTO will save wear, tear and fuel.

I wish my tractors had it!