All You Need To Know About PTO Shafts, Maintenance & Repair

All You Need To Know About PTO Shafts, Maintenance & Repair

Did you know that Pioneer Agri can repair, refurbish and replace PTO Shafts? In this, the first of a short series of articles looking at PTO Shafts, we provide a brief overview of what they do, how they work, and the safety considerations.

 What Is A PTO Shaft And How It Works on a Tractor
A Power Take Off shaft (PTO shaft) is a crucial component in agriculture, allowing tractors to transfer mechanical power to attached implements, such as mowers, tillers, balers, and sprayers.

How Do PTO Shafts Work?
When engaged, the tractor’s engine powers the PTO system, causing the PTO shaft to rotate. The shaft transfers this rotational energy to the implement, allowing it to perform its intended task. The speed and power output of the PTO shaft depend on the tractor’s PTO settings, which are commonly:

  • 540 rpm for standard for most light-duty farm equipment
  • 1,000 rpm for larger, more powerful implements
  • Variable-Speed PTOs: These are found on some advanced tractors for greater control over power output.

Common Uses Of PTO Shafts
PTO shafts are used in a variety of agricultural and industrial applications, including:

  • Rotary Mowers: To cut grass, brush, and crops
  • Tillers and Cultivators: To break up soil and prepare fields for planting
  • Hay Balers: To compress and bundle hay efficiently
  • Post Hole Diggers: To drill holes for fencing and construction
  • Sprayers: To evenly distribute pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers over crops

Identifying PTO Shafts
PTO Shafts are available in several guises; sadly, there is no universal design. Identifying the type of PTO on your equipment can be challenging but essentially comes down to these four factors.

  • The dimensions of the Universal Joint: We need to know the width of the connectors and the distance between them.
  • We also need to know the profile of the steel tube, is it a lemon, star, triangle or another shape?
  • We will need to know the size of the splined shaft in each end of the yoke.
  • And finally, we will need to measure the length of the PTO Shaft between the universal joints when close.

PTO Parts

 

PTO Shaft Safety Considerations
While PTO shafts are highly effective, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. To ensure safety:

  • Always Use a PTO Shield: The rotating shaft can cause severe injuries if accidentally touched while in motion
  • Shut Off the Engine Before Handling: Never adjust or connect a PTO shaft while the tractor is running
  • Secure the Shaft Properly:  Ensure the PTO shaft is securely connected before operating the implement
  • Wear Proper Clothing: Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the rotating shaft
  • Perform Regular Maintenance: Lubricate and inspect the shaft frequently to prevent wear and tear

Pioneer Agri is one of Lincolnshire’s leading suppliers of agricultural parts and equipment, including specialist PTO services for all leading brands, including Benzi, Bondioli & Pavesi, Comer Industries, Walterscheid, Weasler and others.

If you’d like to know more about PTO Shafts and how we can repair, refurbish or replace them, look out for our next article in this short series or call us on 01522 695 272 or visit us on Pioneer Way, off Doddington Road, Lincoln.