Hooking up PTO w/ Engine Running

[foggy1111]

The other day my SIL was hooking up the rear PTO on his new tiller. He left the engine run. I told him I "normally" shut down the engine when I hook up the PTO. Safety first.

How about it....do you shut down the engine when attaching your rear PTO implements?

 

[rekees4300]

How about it....do you shut down the engine when attaching your rear PTO implements?

Always. I decline to risk my life based upon some mechanic feature working or not.

 

[sweep]

I don't want to get between any running tractor and implement period.

 

[Qapla]

I've done it both ways ... but, NEVER with the PTO running

 

[bigbull338]

the tractor is always running when we hook up equipment.the pto is never turned on ever during that time.been doing that way for over 40yrs an not a prob yet.never put some1 on the tractor raising an lowering the 3pt lift less they know what they are doing.because the pto could accadently get turned on.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I do it both ways, but usually running. Sometimes, while mounting an impliment, being able to change the 3ph height after one side is hooked or moving the Hydraulic Top Link makes it go alot easier so I leave it running. If I have to turn the pto shaft on the tractor to aline the splines I shut it down because the shaft turns much easier when the tractor isn't running.
I respect those who always shut down the tractor. It is the safest way.

 

[radman1]

The odds of the pto "turning on by itself" would be incredible at the moment the pto was being attached. Much more likely to win the lottery. The biggest risk would be if someone else is on the tractor and engaged it by accident. Do you shut down the tractor everytime you get off? It could take off on its own. On a cloudy day, do you stay inside to decrease the risk of lighting strike? Never go outside, because the sun increases the risk of skin cancer? (That risk is quite high at 1 in 5 Americans or 1 in 3 caucasions. Fortunately, most are localized and easily treatable.)

 

[wedge40]

Most of time it's running. Like other people on here I usually have to move the 3pt a couple of times to get everything lined up. But come to think of it.. My sequence is to hook the the 3pt and then after that is complete I hook up the PTO.. So I guess I could turn the tractor off. Especially since I usually have to get the mallet and wd40 before starting to line up the PTO splines.

Wedge

 

[grsthegreat]

Well, the tractor is usually running with the brakes locked. It has to be running to hook up the implement. My tractor is a cab unit but has a rear exterior 3 point hitch control so i can raise and lower arms from the outside.

After all is attached i just plug in the 3 point.

 

[charleyfarmall]

I do it both ways depending on how long it will take to hook up the implement. If I shut down it's to save fuel. The danger you think is there isn't - unless someone else is around the tractor who could engage the PTO.