PTO advice

[whiskywizard]

I need to clarify some PTO operating advice that came up in another thread, but I didn't want to derail that discussion.

Here's the comment Derek made that got me thinking...

only press the rear diff lock pedal when the tires are stopped, and don't use the clutch to disengage the PTO's unless you need to slow down a heavy spinning attachment like a mower. If you press the clutch in while the PTO is engaged, you'll hear a very loud clicking noise. This is normal as it helps slow down spinning attachments but is unnecessary if only stopping something like a snowblower.

FYI, my Kioti is hydrostatic, not gears.

When I'm blowing snow, I lift the 3-pt rear blower all the way up so I can reach the blower chute crank handle. I don't want to lift the blower that high with the PTO still turning because it places the u-joints at an extreme angle. So what I do is push in the clutch, raise the 3-pt hitch, crank the chute, lower the blower, release the clutch to re-engage the PTO.

Am I doing something wrong? I haven't heard any clicking. In fact, the PTO and blower are so quiet you can't hear them running at all.

 

[Singlemalt]

I need to clarify some PTO operating advice that came up in another thread, but I didn't want to derail that discussion.

Here's the comment Derek made that got me thinking...


FYI, my Kioti is hydrostatic, not gears.

When I'm blowing snow, I lift the 3-pt rear blower all the way up so I can reach the blower chute crank handle. I don't want to lift the blower that high with the PTO still turning because it places the u-joints at an extreme angle. So what I do is push in the clutch, raise the 3-pt hitch, crank the chute, lower the blower, release the clutch to re-engage the PTO.

Am I doing something wrong? I haven't heard any clicking. In fact, the PTO and blower are so quiet you can't hear them running at all.

Damage will occur if you operate your equipment with the u-joints at extreme angles. It's only a matter of time.
There is nothing wrong with using your clutch.
Throttle down before you engage the PTO as this results in less abrupt impact on your equipment.
Consider a handle extension for your blower.

 

[jpm1]

My DK 35SE HST has a switch that allows the PTO to run "full time" which means 3pt hitch fully raised the PTO still runs or "AUTO" which means at a certain lift height the PTO shuts off avoiding sharp angle damage. When you lower the 3pt hitch then it starts again. This is the way i run with my blower and 3pt hitch finish mower. . . John

 

[psdx]

I need to clarify some PTO operating advice that came up in another thread, but I didn't want to derail that discussion.

Here's the comment Derek made that got me thinking...

FYI, my Kioti is hydrostatic, not gears.

When I'm blowing snow, I lift the 3-pt rear blower all the way up so I can reach the blower chute crank handle. I don't want to lift the blower that high with the PTO still turning because it places the u-joints at an extreme angle. So what I do is push in the clutch, raise the 3-pt hitch, crank the chute, lower the blower, release the clutch to re-engage the PTO.

Am I doing something wrong? I haven't heard any clicking. In fact, the PTO and blower are so quiet you can't hear them running at all.

I can't think of a reason why a healthy tractor would click. You are doing the right thing by stopping the PTO before getting the driveshaft at an extreme angle. And of course the dry or wet clutch that engages your PTO will appreciate if you engage it at half throttle or lower. A snowblower shouldn't present much of a load when engaging, so you should be able to engage the PTO at a few hundred rpms above idle.

 

[Coyote machine]

Here's my suggestion: I would look at the manual that pertains to your tractor's PTO operation AND the manual that applies to your PTO snowblower or any other specific attachment. In general with a HST tractor and PTO use it is safest and best practice to bring the PTO driven attachment to a complete stop before raising it to an angle beyond the recommended angle for PTO operation. This accomplishes allowing the PTO and drive shaft to spin down to a stop before the chance of u-joint, or worse yet, PTO shaft/rear drive damage, etc.
It may not be most convenient or time efficient to do so but it will pay off in the long run with less potential damage to your tractor/ attachments and will keep you and others safer when around the equipment.

 

[namesray]

Originally Posted by Dmace
don't use the clutch to disengage the PTO's unless you need to slow down a heavy spinning attachment like a mower. If you press the clutch in while the PTO is engaged, you'll hear a very loud clicking noise. This is normal as it helps slow down spinning attachments but is unnecessary if only stopping something like a snowblower.

my b7800 will make a clicking noise when i push the clutch in to stop bush hogging. i asked my dealer and they said that was ok. it only makes one click as soon as i push the clutch pedal in and i am already throttled down. it has been doing that ever since i had the tractor new and it now has over 800 hours on it. it only seems to do it with the bush hog and not my 3ph pto winch. what is the click exactly? anybody know?

 

[Dmace]

From what I've heard, the clicking is called the "over running clutch", when you push in the clutch it slows the spinning implement down which is the clicking noise heard. This is normal and if you don't hear it, you may have a different designed PTO system. My 2006 CK20HST has a "Live" PTO which may differ from yours.

My manual states to disengage the PTO lever before depressing the clutch pedal. But also to fully disengage the clutch before engaging the PTO levers. I've tried it a few times with my snow blower and it definitely stops faster pressing the clutch than just disengaging the PTO lever and waiting for it to stop.

 

[RoyJackson]

When I'm blowing snow, I lift the 3-pt rear blower all the way up so I can reach the blower chute crank handle.

All the other posters gave you the right advice. At least you have a clutch so you can disengage the PTO momentarily....a lot of tractors with independent PTO wouldn't be able to just step on the clutch.
I've always read it's best to keep the yokes inline as much as possible, and it's recommended to not exceed a 15 degree offset.

My question is, can you extend the length of the chute crank?

 

[jwease]

I'm glad I read this thread. I'll have to stop raising the blower to adjust the chute while the PTO is still engaged.

 

[Singlemalt]

I'm glad I read this thread. I'll have to stop raising the blower to adjust the chute while the PTO is still engaged.

"it's recommended to not exceed a 15 degree offset."

If your PTO equipment is mounted correctly you should be able to raise your blower without disengaging the PTO as well as meeting the 15 degree offset that Roy mentions.