Please Explain Various PTO configurations

[sxholmh]

Can someone please explain the differences between LIVE, Independent, and Mechanical Transmission PTOs? THANKS!

 

[ronjhall]

Here is a link to Tractorsmarts discription of PTO's. Click Here

 

[rdbrumfield]

If you are just out to buy a new tractor, I would recommend being a bit wary of electric or hydraulicly engaged pto systems.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> I would recommend being a bit wary of electric or hydraulicly engaged pto systems. </font>
Why?

 

[DocHeb]

Electronic: There have been some discussion threads recently on the Deere forum lamenting the electronic PTO switches that do not allow "feathering" the PTO into rotation. They engage quite suddenly, and really "slam" when starting attachments such as heavy rotary mowers.

Hydraulic: Can't think of any problems with these systems.

 

[Keith_B]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Electronic: There have been some discussion threads recently on the Deere forum lamenting the electronic PTO switches that do not allow "feathering" the PTO into rotation. They engage quite suddenly, and really "slam" when starting attachments such as heavy rotary mowers.

Hydraulic: Can't think of any problems with these systems. )</font>

My electro-hydraulic setup on my tractor works very well, and is smoother than on other tractors I have used in the past.

The jerking, or slamming as mentioned here, can be greatly reduced by lowering the RPMs at startup.

On some machines, like my Mahindra 4110, there is a manual/auto selector for the PTO. This allows the PTO to feathered in with the clutch when it is in auto mode.

 

[txhawg]

Ok, I'm no expert, but I'll try.

Live PTO = most dangerous. They have been known to bite their owners and sometimes run out an open barn door, not to be seen again for days.

Independant PTO = my wife. She will get the work done, but only when she wants to and only on her terms.

Mechanical PTO = Sort of like me, a creature of habit. I will do the same thing in the same way every time you push my button.

Hope this helps
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Electronic: There have been some discussion threads recently on the Deere forum lamenting the electronic PTO switches that do not allow "feathering" the PTO into rotation. They engage quite suddenly, and really "slam" when starting attachments such as heavy rotary mowers. </font>
I have been watching that thread. The largest problem has been the need to reduce the engine speed before engaging. There are some makers that now have soft or feather engagement. I sure wouldn't tell someone not to buy one because of the operator engagement issue. There is nothing wrong with the system.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I have owned a tractor with the hyd ingaged pto. Even at an idle it was instant on and very hard on emplements. I would have to pull out the decompression knob to get the engine to idle down to almost nothing before engaging the bush hog or it would take the shear keys out every time. being able to feather in the pto with either hand or foot clutches is much easier on everything.

 

[JerryG]

Types of clutches explained.
I wish that we had a place on this site where things like this could be placed and quickly reviewed by all members.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

JerryG,

I think that is a good idea too. It would be useful to have a "guide section" where recurring subjects could be explained in detail. Rather than having a discussion format in this section it would be more of a "how to" or explanation.

Would be useful for many topics. These come to mind right away:

what size implement?
toothbar selection?
backhoe mounting?
hydraulics?
what size tractor?
engine troubleshooting?
hourly rates for tractor work?

etc...


but this topic should probably get it's own post somewhere else......

 

[N80]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Types of clutches explained.
I wish that we had a place on this site where things like this could be placed and quickly reviewed by all members. )</font>

I've been through this type of thing extensively for a large, busy website on which I moderate several forums. We pretty much gave up. We have FAQs, etc. but they are often ignored, or many times don't give the info desired or explain it in such a way that works for some particular reader. So we simply let the repetative discussions roll. We certainly refer folks to the FAQ but we've been surprised how appreciative people are to get fresh, current answers to their questions. We've also been surprised by the fact that the discussions end up turning up new and valuable info since there is a large diversity of knowledgeable folks. Yes, sometimes its like a broken record, but so is "RTFM" and "read the FAQ".

Also, in regard to PTOs, the manufacturers use their own proprietary terms and combinations of terms. For instance, the PTO on my Kubota is called a "hydraulic live independant." So when I look at some of the linked resources I find that none of them specifically address just what that means. And then someone here says to avoid the hydraulic types. And then you've got one confused noob.

I'm still not sure _exactly_ what 'hydraulic live independant' means or what its weaknesses are. But, on my 4400 it will feather just fine but you have to be very ginger to do it.

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm still not sure _exactly_ what 'hydraulic live independant' means )</font>

I'm not sure why manufacturers find it necescary to specify 'live' and independent together... Independent is defactor live. Kinda like saying a live pto with 2 stage clutch.... just saying 2 stage or dual stage clutch lets you know it is live pto.. etc.

As for hydraulic.. lets you know / refers to the method of pto engagement: .. hyd clutch pack.. or electric over hyd.. or plain mechanical..

Soundguy