mid PTO

[sendero]

Is there any use for a mid PTO other than finish mowing?

Also, what are the main benefits of having full independent rear PTO as opposed to the dual-clutch setup?

 

[tc35dforme]

Front mount snowblower !!

Most importantly...you can say you have one !!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Pacesetter300]

I think finish mowing is the most popular purpose for the mid-PTO. Some other uses would be a front rotary broom and snow blower. The bigger class III's really aren't great lawnmowers. Thus as you get up there in size/HP, the mid PTO's become scarce. Kubota eliminated (made them optional) them on the Grand L's, NH quits at the TC40, I think Kioti at the DK40. Most users of larger tractors will use an RFM.

Much more practical in larger tractors is the live and/or independent PTO. Independent activates with a lever or electrical switch independently of the clutch or transmission. Live PTO means it uses a dual clutch. Press the clutch 1/2 way down to shift or disengage the transmission, all the way to disengage the PTO. You feel the extra pressure on the pedal, so it's not really tricky. Either system is really OK, just what you like and want to pay for. The live is simpler and less expensive. What you don't want is a transmission driven PTO. If the rear wheels aren't turning, neither is your PTO. The other problem is the momentum from a rear implement, say bush hog blades, can keep pushing the tractor forward. IMHO, a shuttle shift and live PTO are the minimum requirements for any tractor using 3-PT implements and a loader.
Pacesetter

 

[chrisjbell]

If you go with a hydro transmission then you have a fully live PTO, too. 'Course the hydro costs $$$ (and robs some power), but I like 'em.

 

[sandyc]

The Mid PTO on my tractor is used for finish mowing and around here for Snowblowing. After this winter I can guarantee you that the mid pto earned its keep!

 

[sendero]

Thanks for the replies.

Since here in North Texas, snow in the quantities that require a blower hasn't happened in the 40+ years I've lived here, a snowblower is probably not needed /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The reason I'm asking this is I'm down to a Kioti DK35 vs. a Branson 4020.

They are both within $100 of each other in price. The DK35 has a mid PTO, the Branson doesn't. The DK35 has independent PTO, the Branson does not.

The Branson has 5 more hp. The FEL on the Branson is somewhat beefier, lift cap of ~2100 lbs vs the Kioti's ~1350.

The Branson weighs about 200 lbs more, the Branson BL20 probably weighs more than the KL1450 also. The Branson has 12 speeds vs the Kioti's 8.

The Branson is red. The Kioti is orange /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Pacesetter300]

Billy, Assuming that ALL the other factors are equal including financing, dealer and YOU are comfortable on both, I think this one is easy. First the Branson has almost 8 HP PTO over the Kioti according to factory specs. A beefier loader, quick attach bucket, more rear lift, more speeds, bigger tires and frankly a lot of nice features like the low fuel fill, more logical shifter and turbocharged engine. Two practical things in the Kioti's favor are the independent PTO and the adjustable rear links. I think the features favor Branson. If you were looking at a DK45, I think it would be a much tougher choice. JMHO
Pacesetter

 

[sendero]

Both dealers strike me as honest folks I could do biz with. The Kioti dealer is only 5 miles away, the Branson is 20.

I'll decide soon. It is clear that the Branson is more tractor for the buck, but it still is not a cut and dried decision. I suppose I'll wake up one morning and know the answer /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The independent PTO's sometimes have more maintenance/repair issues than the 2 stage clutch type. The 2stage clutch types are time proven and simpler in design than the independent ones, thus more reliable. I also like the fact that if you push the clutch to the floor everything stops, as opposed to clutching and fumbling for the PTO control when you hang something up in the brush hog.

Your choice both will perform acceptably and don't base you tractor selection entirely on this issue.

 

[prosperity]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I suppose I'll wake up one morning and know the answer )</font>

So true - While you are sleeping your mind is still working on all kinds of things. Its like a computer doing a defragment. One morning soon your decision will be clear.