PTO--does on/off hurt engine

[AppleMan]

Does shutting the pto on and off hurt the tractor's engine? I have to shut it off on about half of my turns at my orchard (ground is severely uneven in these spots) and didn't know if it would hurt the engine. In three hours of spraying I probably turn it on and off about 20 times.

 

[5030tinkerer]

I can't imagine how it could. Perhaps there are internal clutches that are getting worn or something (I would think this would be tractor dependent), but that would be about it. If you are only shutting down the PTO when turning around, why not leave it engaged and save the worry?

 

[Duffster]

There would be more risk of damage letting it on from the vibration in the turn

The only thing you could hurt turning it on and off would be the PTO clutch and I wouldn't worry about that

 

[5030tinkerer]

Can you tell me what is meant by vibration in the turn?

 

[Duffster]

Can you tell me what is meant by vibration in the turn?

Sorry, I guess I assumed the OP was talking about a rear PTO shaft in which in a sharp turn the U-joints produces a vibration

 

[Soundguy]

I think I'd save my pto clutches and invest in a CV style rear pto shaft!

soundguy

 

[jinman]

In three hours of spraying I probably turn it on and off about 20 times.

If you were running a rotary cutter or finish mower, I'd say you should not cycle the PTO ON/OFF. However, if you are running a PTO pump for a sprayer, it probably does not have anymore starting torque than a posthole digger. That would probably not put a lot of stress on the PTO clutch or the tractor's engine. So my answer is that if there is little torque required, go ahead. If there is a high torque requirement, then raising the 3PH in the turns might be the best option.

 

[AppleMan]

Thanks much. It is a trailer mounted (not 3pt hitch mounted) in which the pto powers the pump for the sprayer so I'll keep shutting it off on the sketchy turns.

 

[Altex]

Does shutting the pto on and off hurt the tractor's engine? I have to shut it off on about half of my turns at my orchard (ground is severely uneven in these spots) and didn't know if it would hurt the engine. In three hours of spraying I probably turn it on and off about 20 times.

Just checking, but are you using your Clutch to dis-engage (and engage) your PTO on and off? You need to with Transmission Driven PTO (not with Independent PTO).

Not using your clutch is the only thing I can think of that would hurt your engine by jamming it on or off. Don't mean to talk down to you, just checking.

 

[AppleMan]

There's no clutch on my model. It's a hydrostatic transmission.