lil_country
Bronze Member
After reading the very informative PTO information on tractorsmart - http://www.tractorsmart.com/main/Tractor Power Take Off Types.htm - I am wondering if I need an overrunning clutch on my B3030. Should I be using one - especially for brushhogging?
Here is the section of the article in question;
"Some form of PTO brake is incorporated into most hydraulic independent PTO systems. The function of the brake is to overcome the tendency of the PTO shaft to continue rotating, even when it is in the OFF position. This undesirable rotation is caused by oil drag between the drive and driven discs in the clutch pack. Without a brake, light load implements, such as hay rakes, might continue to slowly rotate, even with the PTO OFF. At best, this is a nuisance; at worst it could present a dangerous situation. PTO brakes are getting more reliable, however they are still subject to accelerated wear and damage, if continually called upon to stop heavy implements. A good example is the heavy duty rotary cutters that are popular today. There is a lot of potential energy built up in those heavy blades and stump jumpers when they are rotating at operating speed. When you select the PTO to the OFF position, your are disengaging the clutch pack, and redirecting the pressurized oil to the PTO brake system. Imagine trying to bring your truck to a stop from 50 MPH, using only half of the brake pads on one wheel, and you'll get the general idea. Some of these systems have an intermediate coast position between ON and OFF, which allows natural deceleration of the implement, saving wear and tear on the brake components. In the absence of that, you may wish to consider using an over-running coupler on the tractor PTO shaft, in order to avoid costly damage when using heavy implements."
Here is the section of the article in question;
"Some form of PTO brake is incorporated into most hydraulic independent PTO systems. The function of the brake is to overcome the tendency of the PTO shaft to continue rotating, even when it is in the OFF position. This undesirable rotation is caused by oil drag between the drive and driven discs in the clutch pack. Without a brake, light load implements, such as hay rakes, might continue to slowly rotate, even with the PTO OFF. At best, this is a nuisance; at worst it could present a dangerous situation. PTO brakes are getting more reliable, however they are still subject to accelerated wear and damage, if continually called upon to stop heavy implements. A good example is the heavy duty rotary cutters that are popular today. There is a lot of potential energy built up in those heavy blades and stump jumpers when they are rotating at operating speed. When you select the PTO to the OFF position, your are disengaging the clutch pack, and redirecting the pressurized oil to the PTO brake system. Imagine trying to bring your truck to a stop from 50 MPH, using only half of the brake pads on one wheel, and you'll get the general idea. Some of these systems have an intermediate coast position between ON and OFF, which allows natural deceleration of the implement, saving wear and tear on the brake components. In the absence of that, you may wish to consider using an over-running coupler on the tractor PTO shaft, in order to avoid costly damage when using heavy implements."