I purchased my first tractor less than two weeks ago. It came with about 9 different implements - most of which were in pretty bad shape - rusty, bent, neglected. This is the first time I've ever touched a PTO shaft.
The bushhog and power auger both use the same type of telescoping shaft. The smaller/inner shaft (approx 1.4" diameter) is connected to the gearbox/clutch plate of the implement. The larger/outer shaft (approx 1.7" diameter) is attached to the PTO QD fitting. Both work ok, and I have no problem working either implement.
The tiller, however, is different. The shaft coming off of the gearbox is the larger (1.7") diameter - and it did not come with the second half of the shaft. Further, the shaft appears to have been cut short - it is shorter than either of the other PTO shafts.
Since I'm so green on this stuff, I have no idea what these parts are called, or how to compare them. So, I humbly ask the following:
1) Are all PTO shafts telescopic?
2) What do you call the inner/outer parts, and can they be purchased separately?
3) In the case of the shorter, larger diameter shaft on the tiller, is there a way to determine if the other half should slip inside (or over) the existing part?
It's a bit overwhelming when I'm so illiterate, that I don't even know what the parts are called...
#1. Yes
#2. Male & female Yes
#3. You have the female half
You didn't ask but pto shafts are d-a-n-g-e-r-o-u-s while rotating, even while coasting down after being disengaged. The rotory mower is double trouble because the shaft continoues turning long enough for operator to get off,walk around and come in contact with rotating shaft or a by-stander approaching tractor to say hi after tractor engine has been turned off. The digger is bad news when someone decide's to add their weight to digger so it digs in better. DON"T DO IT!
Stay completely away from pto as long as it is moveing the slightest amount. The main concurn is snagging clothing and wrapping you around the shaft. Did I mention that a pto shaft can and will cripple or kill you in an instant?
I suspect the tiller is just made different and you will have to buy the missing part or more likely a whole pto shaft to replace the half you have.
See if you can find a brand name on that tiller and or model. Some in the forum might be able to use that info to help you. Any measurements on it ? Is it 4 ft wide or 5 ft ? Any idea how old it is or even a rough guess. Etc etc. info is handy to present.
I seem to see county line on the side of it. You might google and check out pictures etc of their products.
Are all the implements 3 point hook up or does any of them have quick disconnect? That affects shaft lengths.
Tiller shaft might be shorter due to the way it hooks up to the tractor. Mine is.
They need to be really really clean and lightly lubed.
Find a plastic cover , sleeve, tube, to put on your pto shaft sticking out of the rear of your tractor to help keep it clean.
All of the pto shafts should have a telescoping plastic cover on them ! Easy to order or find at many tractor farm supply stores. You will need at least shaft diameter when looking. Usually have to cut BOTH half’s of the plastic covers to correct length after buying.
The slip clutches on any attachments most likely need loosened up and make sure they slip. Then torque them back to correct tightness. Rain and Dew and time cause them to stick. Check what ever brand info on each attachment for info on correct numbers to tighten them back to. Other wise you are very likely to ruin the gears inside the tractor pto assemble. Much money involved.
And the warning on dangers of getting caught in them cannot be overstated !!! Do not even leave the tractor running while your trying to hook up.
Thanks Jaxs...
Not to pile on, but since you're the only one to reply so far... do some implements have the female at the tractor end, while others have males? It just seemed odd to me that two are female on the tractor end, and one is reversed.
It really doesn't matter which is male & which is female. The fact that 1 in 3 of yours is different is just how they were built it attached randomly. In thoery female on the tractor end means water & grime wouldn't get into the joint as easily. But not by much & it should be covered by a plastic guard anyway.
As previously mentioned, PTOs are DANGEROUS. Probably the most dangerous part of the tractor. Respect them accordingly & never get close to a moving one. Smart people don't even connect them when the tractor is running, just in case something gets bumped. I'm smart... Sometimes.
It's definitely County Line. Though, the manufacturer decal on it is something else:
"Tarter Rotary Tiller Yellow 5 Foot"
As to the safety aspects, I cannot tell you how badly neglected these things are. None of the PTO shafts had a completely functional cover. In fact, the shroud that I see around everyone's PTO hookup is missing on my tractor (which is not even 2 years old).
On the power auger (also a County Line), the metal bracket that goes around both sides of the gearbox (input and output) are missing or so mangled they're bent away from the moving parts.
I'm really wondering if it's worth trying to rehabilitate this stuff, vs going with new implements.
We get a lot of questions surrounding PTO shafts and how to attach them to your tractor. In today’s post, we’ll cover the basics of PTO, PTO Shafts, and PTO adapters for your tractor mounted implements.
Jundi contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Spoiler alert: Yes – PTO shaft is included with all tractor implements purchased from Victory Tractor at etractorimplements.com!
What is PTO?
PTO stands for “Power Take-Off” and is the primary mechanism
for providing power to an attachment or implement (such as a flail mower) via
PTO shaft.
By providing rotational energy through the driveshaft (or cardan shaft) a variety of tractor mounted implements can be operated by small and mid-sized tractors.
What is a PTO shaft?
A PTO shaft transfers the power from the tractor to the PTO
powered attachment. This enables the
tractor to power a variety of tractor implements including flail mowers, wood
chippers, rotary tillers, excavators, and more.
PTO shaft connectors on tractors are not standardized which can lead to complications when connecting the PTO shaft. For example, some older tractor models have the connection flange closer to the tractor itself making it difficult to connect and lead to a potential safety hazard.
PTO Adapters
To avoid potential connectivity issues, you may want to consider a PTO Adapter for your tractor. The PTO adapter extends the connection to the implement, providing additional space for the PTO shaft to turn without touching the Arm Weldment or other parts of your tractor or the implement.
As a precautionary measure, it is a good idea to purchase a PTO adapter to ensure compatibility with your particular tractor model.
PTO Shaft and Adapters for Embankment Mowing
The PTO shaft included with all Victory Tractor mowers has a longer extension than the typical PTO Shaft. The added length is necessary because of the far reaching movement of the mowers to the right of the tractor.
A PTO Adapter can be useful when operating Victory’s EMSD and EMHD Embankment Flail mowers.
The absence of a PTO Adapter could cause the PTO shaft to conflict with the arm weldment, which connects to the CAT I/II 3 point hitch.
Further reading:Transport of goods from China - everything you need to know - AsstrA
Contact us to discuss your requirements of PTO Shaft Components. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
How do I operate the PTO on my tractor?
Prior to running the PTO, you will need your tractor to reach
the starting RPM (revolutions per minute).
Once the starting RPM has been reached you can begin operating the PTO.
Once the PTO has begun to power the attachment, steadily increase
the throttle until you reach the operating speed. The typical running RPM (revolutions per minute)
for a tractor mounted PTO is 540 RPM, although there are tractor models that
rev higher.
Always refer to your particular tractor model for instructions prior to first-time use.
PTO Shaft Safety Tips
The most common PTO related injuries tend to occur when
articles of loose clothing become entangled in the shaft.
When operating the PTO, never reach over the shaft for any reason and avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Injury can occur quickly, providing the operator little time
to react, and in some cases resulting in death.
PTO Shaft Resources
Power Take-Off (PTO) Safety
https://extension.psu.edu/power-take-off-pto-safety
How to Connect a PTO
SFI Easy On PTO Adapter Model 100
Final thoughts
Before making a decision it’s a good idea to call the company you are considering purchasing from and ask questions directly. If you are able to speak with someone who is knowledgeable it’s probably a good sign that you are making the right decision.
Victory Tractor Implements is proud to offer a wide range of products including flail mowers, wood chippers, rotary tillers, and backhoes, all designed to be connected directly to your tractor’s PTO for maximum efficiency and performance. In addition, we also offer winter equipment such as snow plows and snow blowers, designed for use with skid steers.
We source all of our equipment directly from the manufacturer and pass the savings on to our customers. As always, the team is standing by to answer any questions to assist with your decision. Victory support can be reached directly at (562) 534- or
For more PTO Shaft Adapterinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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