Live Vs independent PTO

[Musdalen]

Is a Kubota L3901 a live or an independent PTO?

 

[ovrszd]

My Massey 1635 has an electrically engaged PTO but also has a "soft start" button that can be selected when using equipment like a brush cutter. Seems to work well and prevents the shearing of pins etc.

I've never heard of that. Excellent idea. My little JD is instant on so I always start it at idle. My Ford and Kubota are both linkage operated and you can soften the start a little with patience. Always start them at idle too.

 

[Texasmark]

Why would a manufacturer put 24 sequential clutch discs in a PTO system if it weren't to have a soft start? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that the kinetic energy required to get a mower rotating at PTO rpm from a dead stop is one heck of a whack and since numerous things can interrupt the drive and re-apply something has to be inherent to prevent a problem. Get a parts breakdown on your tractor and look at the PTO clutch.....es!

An implement slip clutch isn't made for a soft start. It's made to disengage upon hitting an obstacle. If it were set for soft start you never would mow anything...it would slip......think about it! Slip clutches were here long before synchronized transmissions, live or independent ptos.

 

[IslandTractor]

Slip clutches may not have been designed to soften the start after PTO engagement but I don't see why they wouldn't work. A slip clutch doesn't "break" like a shear bolt with shock loads. It just gives until the load is lower than what the clutch spring compression is set for then the clutch reengages and transmits power. When mowing and hitting a stump the slip clutch reengages as soon as you pass over the stump and the same thing would happen with a "hard" PTO start.

 

[Texasmark]

Slip clutches may not have been designed to soften the start after PTO engagement but I don't see why they wouldn't work. A slip clutch doesn't "break" like a shear bolt with shock loads. It just gives until the load is lower than what the clutch spring compression is set for then the clutch reengages and transmits power. When mowing and hitting a stump the slip clutch reengages as soon as you pass over the stump and the same thing would happen with a "hard" PTO start.

Sounds good in theory and I agree. Problem is getting that sweet spot on the spring tensions and having that pressure remain, especially considering rusted plates that press against the braking discs hampering proper operation by most folks (self included) leaving shredders out in the weather. The manual calls for setting the tension by spring length. Well that's all well and good but that isn't all there is to it. And on the subject, that's the same type multi-disc setup as is used on the disc type tractor IND. pto, only not as many. I think the ones I had were around 3-5 discs.