STDBob
New member
What engine speed is best to engage the PTO on a tractor?
Engine Speed for PTO Engagement
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tawilson
Platinum Member
My manual says to do it at idle, and that's what I do.
Knute
Silver Member
As low as possible seems the best RPM, that's what they told me when my B7510 was delivered and the experience I've had since hasn't made me change my mind.
When you engage the PTO it will be starting up something (say a rotary cutter) that isn't moving. The faster the engine the harder it's going to hit. It seems much better to start it going slow then rev the engine up after the PTO is engaged.
If someone knows of an implement where it's better to have the engine going at full speed when you engage I'd like to hear what it is - theres always more to learn!
John
When you engage the PTO it will be starting up something (say a rotary cutter) that isn't moving. The faster the engine the harder it's going to hit. It seems much better to start it going slow then rev the engine up after the PTO is engaged.
If someone knows of an implement where it's better to have the engine going at full speed when you engage I'd like to hear what it is - theres always more to learn!
John
ronjhall
Super Star Member
Idle speed is best. But some attachments take a lot of power to get running. If you have an attachment that tries to stall engine when PTO is engaged. Increase RPM's enough to not stall engine.
jgh
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20060114
On my Exmark zero turn mower (w/ 27 hp diesel), the instrs say pull the electric PTO engage at half speed. I find if I do it at lesser, the engine threatens to stall out, esp with the leaf catcher on.
With my tractors I usually try to have some kind of revs going, esp with the larger one (80 hp NH), and esp if the implement is heavy, say the discbine or even the sq baler. But generally it does OK with startup at fairly low revs. Or since that PTO is mechanically engaged I sometimes feather in the clutch to counter revs that are too low or too high, but I worry that I am shortening its life that way.
When I run it on 1000 RPM for my 7 ft 1287 Bush Hog, it seems more flexible prb because it is effectively downgeared with the higher PTO speed. Requires changing the tractor PTO shaft on mine since there is only one connection.
My BX-2200 Kubota seems to be pretty tolerant of how I engage its PTO, prob because it is working with lighter stuff.
What'dya think?
Jim
On my Exmark zero turn mower (w/ 27 hp diesel), the instrs say pull the electric PTO engage at half speed. I find if I do it at lesser, the engine threatens to stall out, esp with the leaf catcher on.
With my tractors I usually try to have some kind of revs going, esp with the larger one (80 hp NH), and esp if the implement is heavy, say the discbine or even the sq baler. But generally it does OK with startup at fairly low revs. Or since that PTO is mechanically engaged I sometimes feather in the clutch to counter revs that are too low or too high, but I worry that I am shortening its life that way.
When I run it on 1000 RPM for my 7 ft 1287 Bush Hog, it seems more flexible prb because it is effectively downgeared with the higher PTO speed. Requires changing the tractor PTO shaft on mine since there is only one connection.
My BX-2200 Kubota seems to be pretty tolerant of how I engage its PTO, prob because it is working with lighter stuff.
What'dya think?
Jim
FarmGeek
Silver Member
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If I try to engage at RPM speed, I throw the shear pin of my rotary cutter every time. So I got pretty good at changing it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Now I throttle down as far as possible and gently engage while crossing my fingers. So far, so good.
Now I throttle down as far as possible and gently engage while crossing my fingers. So far, so good.
BigMccorm
Bronze Member
I have always found it best to engage the PTO at the lowest RPM's possible. Sometimes this is not idle because at idle when engaged the engine stalls out. The best way I have found is to throttle down and engage then throttle back up.
robison
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- John Deere 4510 / John Deere GT235 / DR mower
Your equipment will last longer if you engage and disengage at the lowest possible rpm.
5103Owner
Bronze Member
I work for a farm that uses a JD 336 baler, I was told to engage the PTO at 1500RPM's not exacly sure why, /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif it seems like awfull rough start. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I guesss it's like ronjhall said it would probably stall the engine if the RPM's weren't high enough. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
robison
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- John Deere 4510 / John Deere GT235 / DR mower
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I work for a farm that uses a JD 336 baler, I was told to engage the PTO at 1500RPM's not exacly sure why, /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif it seems like awfull rough start. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I guesss it's like ronjhall said it would probably stall the engine if the RPM's weren't high enough. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>
Speaking as a motor vehicle service manager, there is no possible benefit to engagment of the pto at any speed above the minimum to keep the engine from staggering or stalling.
I would also point out that many PTO designs engage a shaft brake when the PTO is switched off so you also benefit from reduction of speed to idle before you disengage.
Lower engagement and disengagement speed = reduced shock loads on the system = longer life
Speaking as a motor vehicle service manager, there is no possible benefit to engagment of the pto at any speed above the minimum to keep the engine from staggering or stalling.
I would also point out that many PTO designs engage a shaft brake when the PTO is switched off so you also benefit from reduction of speed to idle before you disengage.
Lower engagement and disengagement speed = reduced shock loads on the system = longer life