SAFETY INFORMATION
PTO – Drive Line Safety
Warning:
PTO shafts can be very dangerous. A PTO shaft revolving at 540 rpm moves more than 2 metres in less than a second, and has the potential to cause serious injury or death if not used, and maintained properly.
Damaged or missing shielding is the main reason for entanglement. New machinery must have the appropriate shielding in place and must be maintained to prevent injury. Older machinery with damaged or no shielding is the most dangerous and must not be operated until the shielding has been repaired or replaced.
Operator awareness and monitoring of equipment is critical if PTO entanglement is to be avoided. Making repairs while a machine is operating, stepping over or onto revolving shafts, wearing loose or frayed clothing, are all actions that can lead to a serious accident.
Make safety a habit
Remember:
– Before putting into operation or performing any maintenance, ensure all users read, understand and comply with the instructions provided with the implement or tractor.
– Use the PTO shafts for their intended use ONLY.
– When using PTO driveline equipment do not exceed the power limits or speed the equipment was designed for. If you do not know this information refer to the owner’s manual or the manufacturer of the machine. (Shaft capacities are listed under our technical section on this site.)
– Before putting into service check for sufficient clearance for the PTO drive shaft in conjunction with the tractors master shield and the implement side safety shield in all operating conditions. (E.g. when cornering, traveling on uneven surfaces or at maximum working depth.) Check the length of the PTO shaft is correct and there is sufficient overlap of the telescopic tubing. In the case of attached or semi- mounted implements always ensure any hitches, lower links, supporting devices etc. are moved to suitable positions and secured to prevent contact with the PTO driveline. Contact between the PTO driveline and tractor or implements will result in damage to the PTO shaft.
– Do not exceed the maximum working angles for the PTO shafts. The PTO drive should be disengaged when the joint angle exceeds 45 degrees or the joint angles are unequal. The maximum operating angle is 25 degrees. However for short periods at reduced output the maximum angle where contact between PTO drive shaft guard and rotating components is avoided is 45 degrees. When Stationary the max joint angle is 90 degrees. Aim for small identical joint angles when operating the machine. Wide angle PTO shafts have a maximum operating angle of 25 degrees. For short periods at reduced output they can be used up to 80 degrees. When stationary the maximum joint angle is also 80 degrees. Greater angles will result in premature wear and damage to the joint. When a wide angle joint is used on a PTO shaft the pivot between the tractor and implement must equal the pivot point of the wide angled joint. The single joint at the other end of the shaft has to run straight.
– Before each use, check that all PTO drive shaft safety devices are fitted and fully functional. Ensure the PTO shaft is securely attached to the tractor and implement and safety chains are fitted correctly allowing for full movement before operating. Only work with a completely guarded drive shaft!
– Never operate the equipment if any shielding is damaged or missing.
– Be kind to the equipment. Wear and damage can be caused to the shaft and drive line by aggressively engaging or suddenly stopping the PTO drive.
– A clutch or torque limiter if used must be fitted to the implement end of the PTO shaft.
– A Wide angle unit if used is fitted to the tractor end of the PTO shaft.
– Any replacement parts must be suitable for the application i.e.: correct rating, length and shielding. It is highly suggested that you use our AKSAN spare parts whenever possible.
– Stay away from any rotating parts. Disengage the PTO drive turn off the tractor or drive unit and remove the key before going near the implement. Removing the key will ensure no one accidently starts the equipment when you are working on it.
– Never step on, over or go under the PTO drive line.
– Keep clear of the equipment and especially the drive line. Wear appropriate clothing. Don’t wear loose clothing, jewellery or long hair that could be caught in the drive line.
– Only transport a PTO shaft in a horizontal position. There is a risk of injury / accident or damage to the shaft should the two halves of the shaft fall apart.
– PTO drive shaft components (especially clutches) can reach high temperatures during operation. DO NOT TOUCH!