Safe & correct attachment of implements to PTOs

[deepsnow]

Problem: major fear/respect for the PTO, 3pt snowblower ordered my 1st implement requiring a PTO. I'll dig out the NH owners manual & see what it recommends regarding the attachment & disengagement of 3pt PTO implements. Any recommendations on the safest way for attachment & removal of a 3pt snowblower from the PTO? If it matters the tractor is a NH TC25D (hst with ?live pto) and the snowblower is a Loftness. Thanks for any input.

 

[RoyJackson]

Yeah..right off the bat:

When you're hooking up or removing a PTO driven implement, <font color=red>put the ignition key in your pocket!!!!</font color=red>

A tractor that isn't running can't turn the PTO. You cannot get pulled into a PTO that isn't rotating.

Other then that, wear good quality work gloves.

 

[MossRoad]

And make sure to always use a functioning safety sleeve on the PTO shaft. I say functioning, because when I got my first PTO powered implement(brush hog) I thought I had every thing hooked up right. A farmer friend of mine pointed out that the sleeve should not have been hooked up the way I had it. Sometimes its best to get a set of experienced eyes to help you out the first time or two.

And take the suggestion about putting the key in your pocket. That sounds like a great idea.

 

[MikePA]

I agree with Roy and MossRoad, particularly MossRoad. The first time I hooked up my Woods Rotary mower, I did not push the PTO the entire way onto the PTO shaft. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif The Woods PTO shaft has a sliding collar which is a pain. My post hole digger has a button. I didn't notice this until I was done mowing!

I also suggest following a standard procedure for hooking up implements, in other words

1. Left lower 3ph arm
2. Right lower 3ph arm
3. Upper 3ph
4. PTO
5. Lock left sway adjuster
6. Lock right sway adjuster
7. Check for clips at all points
8. Check everything again.

Don't be in a hurry. When I was, I forgot to lock the sway adjusters. I've done this both on the mower and the post hole digger. Now I follow a procedure.

 

[karmakanic]

a couple of additional thoughts:

Keep a light coating of grease on the tractor's pto output shaft, and keep the shaft protected with a plastic sleeve when not in use. Also a coating of grease on the inside of the driveshaft coupling, so the balls or the pin used to lock it in place don't freeze up.

And after you connect the drivershaft to the tractor's shaft, grab the coupling and give it a yank, try to pull it off. If it didn't lock in place correctly, better to find out now rather then later, when it's up to speed.

Dave

 

[MikePA]

Re: Safe & correct attachment of implements to PTO

<font color=blue>And after you connect the drivershaft to the tractor's shaft, grab the coupling and give it a yank, try to pull it off. If it didn't lock in place correctly, better to find out now rather then later, when it's up to speed.</font color=blue>
Great advice. This is what I've done since I discovered the cutter PTO shaft wasn't on the whole way.

 

[Mosey]

Re: Safe & correct attachment of implements to PTO

"<font color=blue>And after you connect the drivershaft to the tractor's shaft, grab the coupling and give it a yank, try to pull it off.</font color=blue>""

I agree with that and that's what I do. I also make sure the shield is free to spin on the shaft. I also agree on not being in a hurry and double checking everything.

As for shutting off the engine, I certainly won't say you shouldn't, but I don't. I lock the tractor brakes and unhook or hook up the implement. I usually have to raise/lower the 3pt to get things lined up, so the tractor needs to be running. I also have a hydraulic top link and the tractor needs to be running in order to adjust it to hook it up. I've never heard of a PTO magically shifting into gear on it's own! I don't allow anyone else near the tractor, especially kids, since they could accidentally move the lever.

 

[MikePA]

Re: Safe & correct attachment of implements to PTO

Like Danny, when I am attaching an implement, I have my TC25D running at idle so I can adjust the lower three point arms.

 

[MossRoad]

This thread is very informative. I have a large tractor with a 3pt hitch and it scares the heck out of me hooking up powered implements. Plus it is just a pain to line everything up. These were some of the driving factors for my purchase of a Power Trac. It is just one less thing to hurt me having the implements powered by hydraulics instead of a spinning shaft. While the implement itself is just as dangerous, the hookup is much safer. I look forward to the day when 3pt hitches with drive shafts are obsolete, however, it will probably be after I'm obsolete. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Be safe.

 

[DUMBDOG]

Re: Safe & correct attachment of implements to PTO

I also leave my tractor running but also make sure no one is around.