OSHA at work?

RalphVa · Jul 21, 2015

Below are pictures of the two push button PTO shafts that I have. The one that has a very prominent button in yellow color is about 2004ish vintage. It's very easy to use and goes onto the PTO shaft like a greased pig.

The other picture of the black end is the new one for my bush hog. Apparently OSHA has dictated that the push button be recessed now. Ever try to push a recessed button? In the picture, I've glued a silver knob onto the top of the button. It is now easy to push.

I complained to the sales person about the non ergonomic collar connector that he provided 2 years ago on my new bush hog. It's an absolute beast to get onto the PTO shaft because you have to pull that collar back while pushing the whole mess onto the PTO shaft. OSHA probably loves this thing though. There are no protruding buttons to get snagged onto things. Well, what do they thing the PTO shaft cover is for?

Anyone else have any thoughts or curses for those collars?

Ralph

RickB · Jul 21, 2015

If they really bother you that much replacement yokes are available in the aftermarket in the style shown in your photo on the left.

Threepoint · Jul 21, 2015

Does your shaft cover actually cover the entire yoke? The ones I've seen are shy of the release pin. I think that's the concern.

4570Man · Jul 21, 2015

My finish mower has a twist lock on it with no protruding pins. I actually like it.

MHarryE · Jul 22, 2015

RalphVa said:
Below are pictures of the two push button PTO shafts that I have. The one that has a very prominent button in yellow color is about 2004ish vintage. It's very easy to use and goes onto the PTO shaft like a greased pig. The other picture of the black end is the new one for my bush hog. Apparently OSHA has dictated that the push button be recessed now. Ever try to push a recessed button? In the picture, I've glued a silver knob onto the top of the button. It is now easy to push. I complained to the sales person about the non ergonomic collar connector that he provided 2 years ago on my new bush hog. It's an absolute beast to get onto the PTO shaft because you have to pull that collar back while pushing the whole mess onto the PTO shaft. OSHA probably loves this thing though. There are no protruding buttons to get snagged onto things. Well, what do they thing the PTO shaft cover is for? Anyone else have any thoughts or curses for those collars? Ralph

Could you please show me the OSHA regulation thar requires the PTO connector to be like you say?

LD1 · Jul 22, 2015

Never saw that new style. You sure OSHA is requiring if? I still see new stuff with the extended button

RickB · Jul 22, 2015

LD1 said:
Never saw that new style.

Looks like an Ag Master shaft. the replacement complete PTO shafts that A&I sells have those yokes pictured on the right. I think they are a big improvement over twist lock or ball sleeve types.

RalphVa · Jul 22, 2015

I was wondering. The one on the left is what my sales person got for me to replace the collar one.

Next time, I'll have the pictures to tell him that I want the one like on the right.

BTW, the metal PTO cover covers that part of the shaft.

Now, I know maybe not to complain to OSHA about this. Their site is down to do this.

Ralph

LD1 · Jul 22, 2015

I never had any issues with the ball collar I had on the jd261 mower.

The key to any of them is to keep them well lubed. They can all seize and/or be a pain if neglected

RalphVa · Jul 22, 2015

The collar type is an ergonomic mistake. Period.

Ralph

Gary Fowler · Jul 22, 2015

I had a twist lock once and it was the easiest to operate of any I have found. My bush hog now has the spring collar that you have to pull back while pushing on the shaft. It is the hardest one I have ever seen and the spring must require at least 50 pounds of force to move.

On the ones in the first picture, Why do you have to push on the needle pointed end when the opposite end has a large flat end to push on(even though you never need to push on it). This is the stupidest design I have ever seen and always leave indentions on my thumb when trying to hook up an implement with that type.

orezok · Jul 22, 2015

It's easy to blame OSHA (government), but perhaps the manufacturer decided to save $.07 with this modification or had a lawsuit and the lawyers said change it. Facts first, not speculation.

Rock knocker · Jul 22, 2015

Oh no! The OSHA boogie man!

OSHA has nothing to do with the design of this PTO. They are concerned only with the actions of employers towards their employees.

Ken · Jul 22, 2015

RalphVa said:
I was wondering. The one on the left is what my sales person got for me to replace the collar one.

Next time, I'll have the pictures to tell him that I want the one like on the right.

BTW, the metal PTO cover covers that part of the shaft.

Now, I know maybe not to complain to OSHA about this. Their site is down to do this.

Ralph

Ralph sounds like the troops are getting feisty. I agree with you now add the distance to pto with the Quick hitch cover to the pto dropping just when both hands are wrapped around release of coupler .
Trying to get the black cover to release breaks the retaining ring attached to shaft .

I ended up buying a replacement at Farm store just simple push button and easy removal. When selling the bush hog will have almost new drive shaft on the unit.
ken

Luke'sScreenName · Jul 22, 2015

Clearly Obama's fault! :stirthepot:

prs · Jul 23, 2015

Those big plastic collars y'all have on your PTO shafts; I thought they wuz jest packaging and I always throw them over the creek bank. Should I leave 'em on thar? Looks to be kindly in th' way to me.

prs

BuilderML · Jul 24, 2015

lukestafford said:
Clearly Obama's fault! :stirthepot:

I agree:thumbsup:

CDN Farm Boy · Jul 24, 2015

prs said:
Those big plastic collars y'all have on your PTO shafts; I thought they wuz jest packaging and I always throw them over the creek bank. Should I leave 'em on thar? Looks to be kindly in th' way to me.

prs

Sounds reasonable to me. PTO safety is so very simple: stay the he!! away from it when it is running and no guard is needed. I'm not about to take mine off cause I have no reason to but if they do ever come off, I highly doubt that they will be going back on.

Cord · Aug 5, 2015

It might be a ANSI standard and not a OSHA requirement.

CobyRupert · Aug 5, 2015

CDN Farm Boy said:
Sounds reasonable to me. PTO safety is so very simple: stay the he!! away from it when it is running and no guard is needed. I'm not about to take mine off cause I have no reason to but if they do ever come off, I highly doubt that they will be going back on.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Totally agree! I was once chastised here for pointing out that a properly shrouded PTO hides the fact that a rotary cutter's blade is spinning after you've turned the PTO off and presents a greater danger that someone may be injured by the still spinning blade.
I got an answer like "Never remove PTO guards, they're for safety! They prevent people from getting wrapped up. Your spinning blade example is ridiculous because people should know to stay away from spinning machinery!!" -Uhhh, you just contradicted yourself!