Tractors

Everything about Tractor PTO: Different PTO Types and Speeds

Updated on 06th November, 2024, By Abhijeet Warak

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Everything about Tractor PTO: Different PTO Types and Speeds

Tractor led farm operations are done broadly with two approaches, pulling an implement or powered through PTO. There are various tillage operations, sowing, interculture operations, stationary operations etc. requires power outlet which is known as Power Take-Off or PTO. In today’s blog, we will understand everything about a tractor PTO, including its meaning, types and different speeds. So, without delay, let’s start the blog.

What is a PTO in a Tractor?

A PTO (Power Take Off) in a tractor provides mechanical power of the tractor engine to the tractor implements or attachments like a rotavator, thresher, straw reaper, super seeder, etc., with the help of a PTO shaft. In India, the PTO is given on the rear side, but in many other countries, a front PTO is also provided for driving front-mounted machines. Different PTO-driven machines require different PTO HP to operate. The PTO horsepower (HP) indicates the amount of power obtainable for running different tractor attachments. The PTO HP is transferred to the implements through the tractor PTO shaft.

The Invention of PTO in the Tractor Industry

In 1918, the International Harvester Company (IHC) introduced PTO in tractors. Edward A. Johnston (IHC engineer) first developed the idea of PTO, inspired by homemade PTO in France. Its 8-16 model had the first commercial PTO. In 1920, the company came up with another PTO tractor with its 15-30 model, which became the first PTO tractor to go through the Nebraska tractor test.

The concept of standardization is necessary so that the equipment can be designed at a given speed. Before 1958, the standard PTO speed was 536 RPM. Later, the standard PTO speed was changed to 540 RPM with an additional PTO speed of 1000 RPM. Eventually, other tractor companies started to implement PTO in the tractors, and PTO became an essential component.

How does a PTO work?

As we understood, a tractor PTO provides the mechanical power of the tractor engine to the implement or attachments. Now, let's understand how this energy transfers from the engine to various implements. So, the power is transferred by joining the driveline shaft (connecting rod) of the implement to the PTO shaft of the tractor. When the tractor engine starts, the driveline shaft rotates, giving a rotational force to the implement attached through the Universal or ‘U’ joint to the PTO shaft, and instantly, the attached implement starts working. The most important point is that only those implements require PTO that need rotational force to operate.

Various Tractor PTO Types in a Tractor

The PTO is divided into two types, namely, Live PTO and Independent PTO. Let’s understand each of the types below.

Live PTO

The live PTO has two types of transmission clutch. If it is pressed halfway, the transmission will stop, and PTO continues spinning under a load. When pressing the clutch fully, the PTO also stops working. Simply, a live PTO separates the transmission’s control from the PTO operation control.

Independent PTO

The other PTO type is an Independent PTO or IPTO. In this type of PTO, farmers can work independently with the tractor and the implement. They can run the PTO even if the tractor is not moving. This PTO can be engaged with the help of a button or lever that controls the power take-off. IPTOs are a great option for continuous operations as in this PTO type, the PTO is not affected by the position of gears, and a driver can switch gears when running PTO. The Independent PTO has two types: mechanical and hydraulic.

What are the Different PTO Speeds?

There are different PTO speeds required for running a tractor. Let’s have a look at each of the speeds.

Standard PTO

This is the standard PTO speed of 540 RPM. In this type of PTO, the PTO of a tractor and implement driveline shaft rotates at 540 RPM at the given maximum ERPM. This is best for daily agricultural tasks such as ploughing. A 6-spline is required for this type of PTO speed.

Economy PTO

This is the PTO speed of 540 RPM on a lower engine RPM when compared to the standard PTO speed. For example, for a PTO speed of 540 RPM, in the standard PTO it will be achieved at 2100 engine RPM whereas in case of economy PTO the same speed will be achieved at 1600 RPM. This results in lesser fuel consumption. This PTO speed is best for applications like puddling, generators and water pumps.

Reverse PTO

Reverse PTO is helpful in clearing any obstruction that is stuck with the implements while operating. It is used through a lever or button given in the tractor.

MSPTO and GSPTO

The MSPTO stands for Multi-Speed Reverse PTO, which gives a driver various forward and reverse gear speeds for power take-off. It made the farming process easy and more productive. Whereas GSPTO stands for Ground Speed PTO, in this case the PTO speed is same as that of the tractor’s ground speed.

Conclusion

As we have come to the end of this blog, we hope that you have understood the importance of PTO in modern agriculture, along with its types and different speeds. The point to be noted here is that you should always stay cautious while attaching implements with a tractor, as improper attachment may lead to serious accidents and injury. Also, your tractor or an implement may be damaged. Moreover, check out Tractorkarvan for more tractor-related blogs.

Published By

Abhijeet Warak

With over 2 years of experience, Abhijeet is a seasoned tractor and implement expert with an M.Tech (Agri) (FMP) from Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth. His knowledge is rooted in practical experience and academic excellence.