LIve Hydraulics

[VintageRacer]

I just started looking at tractors having become the owner of a 7 acre lot. In a discussion with a tractor seller he mentioned the term " live hydraulics" which I thought I understood. Upon reflection, I'm not so sure. What are live hydraulics?

Dan

 

[RoyJackson]

I think he may have meant Live PTO.
The hydraulic system is always available (if the engine is running).

However, the PTO (if a gear transmission) may not be driven if the clutch is depressed, thus stopping any implement you may have attached to it.

Live or Independent PTO actuation is definitely better then "non-Live" such as I have on my (single stage clutch) Deere 670. Of course, the live or independent PTO adds cost and complexity to the tractor. Cost might be a factor, but I've never heard or read of anyone having trouble with live or independent PTO's.

Since compact tractors are pretty popular now, don't expect the sales people to be experts...they sell stuff, and don't necessarilly have an agricultural or equipment background.

I've no idea what kind of tractor you'll end up with, but do your homework first!

 

[DK35vince]

By live hydraulics I believe he means if the tractor is running the hydraulics are working (for your 3 point ect.)
My brother has an older 8n Ford, that he claims has non-live hydraulics, his 3 point hydraulics will not work unless the PTO is running.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Live PTO is running even when you press clutch for stop tractor (if is two stage clutch - up to half of clutch pedal travel), or you have independant clutch lever for PTO.

Live hydraulics means that you have oil flow (power) allways when engine is running . That means that hydraulic pump is driven directly from engine, not via any clutch. Usually mounted directly on engine, or in/on gearbox on HST tractors, and on tractors with wet multi plates PTO clutch.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Older tractors, such as the N series Fords, and H model IHC tractors, do not have live pto. So if you have a loader on it (or any other hyd implement), every time you push in the clutch, the loader will not move (or other implement).

Think about that......

--->Paul

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Yes, I know that. A neighbour have Fergie 35, single clutch. I saw this disadvantage, and I don't like it.
Older German and Italian tractors have single clutch (non live PTO), but hydraulic pump is driven directly from engine.

 

[normde2001]

"My brother has an older 8n Ford, that he claims has non-live hydraulics, his 3 point hydraulics will not work unless the PTO is running."

That would mean you cannot lift a rotary cutter for transport unless the blade is turning. I find that very hard to believe....Help us out here, Soundguy.

 

[s1120]

<font color="red"> That would mean you cannot lift a rotary cutter for transport unless the blade is turning. I find that very hard to believe....Help us out here, Soundguy.
</font>

Thats it. You can do it safely, by disconnecting the PTO shaft. {hey if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif}

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The Ford N Series 3 point hitch will not operate without the PTO engaged. This can be a REAL pain when using any implement since you have to take the tranny out of gear to raise the 3 point without the tractor moving. Post hole diggers present a special challenge /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[s1120]

There is something out there called a Zane live thing. It hooks up a belt dreven pump to the motor, and taps into the trans hydro system. I hear it works well.