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.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Depends on the tractor. Our larger tractors have PTO brakes that are engaged when ever the engine is running. In order to turn the PTO to get it lined up you must shut off the tractor. I generally shut off any tractor when hooking up the PTO, but some I'll do with it running. Something like my Ford NAA with the manually engaged transmission driven PTO is VERY unlikely to start by itself, almost impossible I'd say. Now something with a hydraulically engaged PTO there is a chance if hydraulic pressure is lost it could start by itself. Those are also the tractors with PTO brakes often, so I just shut them off.

 

[jinman]

I hook up with the engine running mostly because I also may raise/lower 3PH for a better angle like Gordon Gould. However, I would never encourage anyone else to do the same. It's certainly safer to do with the engine off. With the engine off and getting your wife to do it is safer yet.:laughing:

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Can't reply since I don't have any PTO implements, but if someone would be willing to donate one, I would be more than happy to tell you what I do... :laughing:

 

[brewdog]

I never hook up my PTO implements with the tractor running.
I don't mind the extra steps required.

 

[grsthegreat]

Can't reply since I don't have any PTO implements, but if someone would be willing to donate one, I would be more than happy to tell you what I do... :laughing:

WHAT:::: how can yo let that happen...NOOOOOO you must buy some more implements of the PTO persuasion.

 

[5030]

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.

The one thing I really like about Kioti that I wish either of my Kubota's had....

I'm the same as you. The tractor is running, brakes set. My Kubota's have to be running for the pto clutch pack to be energized and allow the quarter free turn of the pto shaft tp align the coupler.

With the engine off, no pressure and a non-moveable pto shaft.

Now, I routinely run the pto when augering grain, without me in the seat. I need to be outside of the tractor watching the auger and making sure the grain is flowing properly.

I believe that's something that smaller tractors can't do without bypassing the interlock....

 

[deere5105]

Don't recall ever hooking one up while the tractor was off. At the same time, I don't dispute that it is safer, but don't know how much risk you have either. Has anyone ever had it come on unexpectedly? I usually am alone when changing implements so not much risk of anyone accidentally engaging it.

 

[foggy1111]

I have done the PTO connection both ways too.....much depending on the implement type, location....and who else is around my shop / tractor (Sometimes I have "helpers").

This became an issue to me when TWO of us were hooking up my son-in-laws new tiller.....and I was giving him a few pointers. Neither of us was too comfortable with the other guy operating the controls. :laughing:

 

[joemd11]

I've only had my tractor for a short time and I use to hook up the flail mower with the engine running. Then the tractor developed a problem where the pto would not shut off with the switch. The dealer promptly fixed it and said that it was an electrical solenoid that activates the pto was the problem. So if it can fail to turn off when commanded, could it not also fail by turning on when not commanded? Sorry guys but my arms and hands are too valuable to me to trust an electromechanical (big word aye) system. Look at how many guys on this forum have had problems with their gage clusters. Turn the engine off before hooking up the pto shaft:thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

My Kubota's have to be running for the pto clutch pack to be energized and allow the quarter free turn of the pto shaft tp align the coupler.

With the engine off, no pressure and a non-moveable pto shaft.

Odd, my kubota is not like that. The one way sprag will at least allow the clutch to freewheel in one direction. If that is not occurring on yours, you need to repair something. What would happen on your machine if you turned the engine off while rotary cutting? Like if the engine caught fire, or you ran over a dog and had to get off the machine instantly AND turn it off? If you're correct and the PTO locks up, there will be major damage to the tractor! I turn mine off while the cutter is spinning all the time. It click click clicks until I disengage the PTO where upon it totally freewheels in both directions