What is this PTO setting?

   / What is this PTO setting? #1  

ukrkoz

Silver Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2017
Messages
107
Location
Auburn
Tractor
Pioneer 1000 EPS
Hello
Branson 15 series tractor here.
What exactly is that PTO setting above the 560 one, the white with gear? PTO lever can be moved in both directions. Tractor has separate 3 position PTO switch in the dash. Down Auto>Off>Manual On.
Manual graciously does not mention it at all.
 

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   / What is this PTO setting? #2  
I would guess it's likely a neutral.
 
   / What is this PTO setting? #3  
On the higher HP models of the 15 series, that lever allows you to switch between 540Eco - Neutral - 540.

540 PTO RPM is the standard RPM the most PTO implements run at. If you put it in 540, you 540 PTO RPM at around 2500 engine RPM. There is a mark on the dash for that, usually labeled as PTO 1st.

540Eco, allows you to achieve the same 540 PTO RPM at lower engine RPM, for lighter duty work and with less noise/fuel consumption. Should be labeled on the dash as PTO 2nd.

Anyway, this is more or less irrelevant because you only have 540 available but it was to give some more context to the lever.

Having this lever, that allows you to put the PTO in Neutral is a must. The reason is there is a spring loaded brake that engages every time the PTO is OFF. If you couldn't put the PTO shaft in Neutral, you would have an heck of a time trying to hook up PTO shafts because you couldn't rotate the shafts to align the splines.

Now, for the PTO switch:

OFF = OFF

Manual = On all the time

Auto = PTO turns on are you lower the 3 pt hitch, then turns back off as you raise the 3 pt hitch over a set height. There is a sensor on the upper lift arms that can be adjusted for different heights. EDIT: It will also turn off if you press the clutch on the shuttle shift models.

This is used mostly on low RPM implements like a tiller as those tend to have shorter PTO shafts and raising the 3 pt too high will put those U joints on a very sharp angle.

I don't recommend using this mode with high RPM implements because all of that inertia is very hard on the PTO spring loaded brake and eventually will burn it out.

Lastly, always engage the PTO with the engine at idle. Ideally, turn the PTO off with the engine at idle as well, unless it's some sort of emergency.

I think this cover it all and sorry for the long post.
 
Last edited:
   / What is this PTO setting?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thank you.
That lever has only 2 positions available - Up and Down. Down is apparently PTO540. So should I keep lever in Up position, if not using PTO?
Quote: Having this lever, that allows you to put the PTO in Neutral is a must.
As I said, there's a knob that turns PTO On and Off in the dash, independent from lever.
 
   / What is this PTO setting? #5  
Yes, if the PTO is not being used, it's better to keep it in Neutral or up position, for safety reasons.

This lever is not to turn the PTO on or off, it just puts the PTO in gear or in neutral. It should be in gear before turning the switch or knob to the on position, otherwise it will just grind gears.
 
   / What is this PTO setting? #6  
Thank you.
That lever has only 2 positions available - Up and Down. Down is apparently PTO540. So should I keep lever in Up position, if not using PTO?
Quote: Having this lever, that allows you to put the PTO in Neutral is a must.
As I said, there's a knob that turns PTO On and Off in the dash, independent from lever.
Always have the PTO lever in neutral unless you'll shortly need to turn it on.
The switch is for short-term on/off action; if you're not expecting to run the implement right away or for some time, put it in neutral - don't trust the electrical switch to keep anyone safe.

When I use a 3pt implement, lever is in neutral until I'm actually at the place I want to, eg, mow. Then lever engaged, get RPMs to the right spot (near idle) and turn on pto switch, mow.... switch off to stop mowing for a little, but if I'm leaving the seat I'll disengage the PTO gear with the lever to neutral.
 
   / What is this PTO setting? #7  
PTO neutral is a luxury item. Mine has it too. When you attach a PTO implement, it lets you turn the PTO by hand to align splines
 

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