Figure 1 is a diagram of component parts of an implement PTO to better understand PTO hazards, guarding, and injuries. The upper drawing is of a PTO system involving a pedestal connection as found on many types of pulled machinery (e.g., hay balers, forage choppers, large rotary mowers, etc.). The bottom drawing is of a PTO system where the implement's input driveline connects directly to the tractor PTO stub. Examples of this type of connection include three-point hitch mounted equipment (e.g., post hole diggers, small rotary mowers, etc.) and augers. The flexible universal joint or "U joint" makes the connection from the tractor to the implement. U Joints are connected by a square rigid shaft which turns inside another shaft.
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Figure 1. The major components of PTO systems.
The tractor's stub shaft, often called the PTO, transfers power from the tractor to the PTO-driven machine or implement. Power transfer is accomplished by connecting a drive shaft from the machinery to the tractor's PTO stub shaft. The PTO and drive shaft rotate at 540 rpm (9 times/second) or 1,000 rpm (16.6 times/second) when operating at full recommended speed. At all speeds, they rotate in proportion to the speed of the tractor engine. Note: rpm speed PTO shafts have more splines on the shaft.
Most incidents involving PTO stubs result from clothing caught by an engaged but unguarded PTO stub. The reasons a PTO stub may be left engaged include: the operator forgetting or not being aware of the PTO clutch is engaged; seeing the PTO stub spinning but not considering it dangerous enough to disengage; or, the operator is involved in a work activity requiring PTO operation. Boot laces, pant legs, overalls and coveralls, and sweatshirts are clothing items that can become caught and wrapped around a spinning PTO stub shaft. In addition to clothing, additional items that can become caught in the PTO include jewelry and long hair.
The PTO driveline is identified as a mechanical wrap point hazard and is one of the oldest and most common farm machinery hazards, referring specifically to the part of the implement (machine) drive shaft that connects to the tractor. This drive shaft is known as the implement input driveline (IID). The entire IID shaft is a wrap point hazard if the IID is completely unshielded.
If the IID shaft is partially guarded, the shielding is usually over the straight part of the shaft, leaving the universal joints, the PTO connection (front connector), and the Implement Input Connections (IIC, the rear connector) as the wrap point hazards. Protruding pins and bolts used as connection locking devices are particularly adept at snagging clothing. If clothing does not tear or rip away, as it sometimes does for the fortunate, a person's limb or body may begin to wrap with the clothing. Even when wrapping does not occur, the affected part may become compressed so tightly by the clothing and shaft that the person is trapped against the shaft. The machine's IID shaft is coupled to the tractor's PTO stub. Therefore, it too rotates at either 540 rpm (9 times/second) or 1,000 rpm (16.6 times/second) at full speed. At these speeds, clothing is pulled around the IID shaft much quicker than a person can pull back or take evasive action. Many IID shaft entanglements happen while the shaft is turning at one-half or one-quarter of the recommended operating speed. Even with a relatively quick reaction time of five-tenths of a second, the wrapping action has begun. Once wrapping begins, the person instinctively tries to pull away. This action simply results in a tighter, more binding wrap. The 1,000 rpm shaft roughly cuts in half the opportunity for evasive action. Simply put, our reaction time is slower than the speed of the turning PTO shaft.
PTO power machinery may be engaged while no one is on the tractor for several reasons. Some PTO powered farm equipment is operated in a stationary position so the operator only needs to start and stop the equipment. Examples of this type of equipment include elevators, grain augers, and silage blowers. At other times, adjustments or malfunction of machine components can only be made or found while the machine is operating.
Additionally, many work practices such as clearing a plugged machine leads to operator exposure to operating PTO shafts. Other unsafe practices include mounting, dismounting, reaching for control levers from the rear of the tractor, and stepping across the shaft instead of walking around the machinery. An extra rider while PTO power machinery is operating is another exposure situation.
The wrap point hazard is not the only hazard associated with IID shafts. Serious injury has occurred when shafts have become separated while the tractor's PTO was engaged. The machine's IID shaft is a "telescoping shaft". That is, one part of the shaft will slide into a second part. This shaft feature provides a sliding sleeve which greatly eases the hitching of PTO powered machines to tractors, and allows telescoping when turning or moving over uneven ground. If an IID shaft is coupled to the tractor's PTO stub but no other hitch is made between the tractor and the machine, then the tractor may pull the IID shaft apart. If the PTO is engaged, the shaft on the tractor end will swing wildly and may strike anyone in range. The swinging force may break a locking pin allowing the shaft to become a flying missile, or it may strike and break something that is attached or mounted on the rear of the tractor. Separation of the driveline shaft is not a commonly occurring event but is most likely to happen when three-point hitched equipment is improperly mounted or aligned, or when the hitch between the tractor and the attached machine breaks or accidentally uncouples.
Although PTO entanglement incidents have decreased over time compared with other causes of farm fatalities, Pennsylvania statistics over a recent ten year period records five fatalities showing that attention to PTO safety continues to be important.
Guarding a PTO system includes a "master shield" for the tractor PTO stub and connection end of the implement input driveline (IID) shaft, an integral-journal shield which guards the IID shaft, and an implement input connection (IIC) shield on the implement. The PTO master shield is attached to the tractor and extends over and around the PTO stub on three sides. This shield is designed to offer protection from the PTO stub and the front joint of the drive shaft of the connected machine. Many tractors, particularly older tractors, may no longer have PTO master shields. Master shields are removed or are missing from tractors for several reasons including: damaged shields that are never replaced; shields removed for convenience of attaching machine drive shafts; shields removed out of necessity for attaching machine drive shafts; and shield missing when used tractors are sold or traded.
There are more injuries associated with the IID shaft than with the PTO stub. As noted earlier, machine drive shaft guards are often missing. This occurs for the same reasons tractor master shields are often missing. An IID shaft guard completely encloses the shaft, and may be constructed of plastic or metal. These tube-like guards are mounted on bearings so the guard rotates with the shaft but will stop spinning when a person comes into contact with the guard. Some machines have driveline guards with a small chain attached to a non-rotating part of the machine to keep the shield from spinning. The most important thing to remember about a spinning IID shaft guard is that if the guard becomes damaged so that it cannot rotate independent of the IID shaft, its effectiveness as a guard is lost and it becomes as hazardous as an unguarded shaft. While the tractor is turned off, spin the IID shaft guard after attaching the PTO to the tractor. This is the best way to make sure that the IID shaft guard is really offering you protection.
These examples of PTO injury incidents involving Pennsylvania farmers will help illustrate the serious nature of PTO hazards:
Case #1: An operator finished loading a load of silage into the silo and was approaching the tractor's PTO lever to turn off the forage blower. As he stepped onto the drawbar, the laces on his boot became caught on the spring loaded push pin of the forage blower PTO driveline coupling. He was thrown backwards off the drawbar, with this boot and denim jeans being forcibly removed. He suffered considerable muscle damage to his right leg.
Case #2: A teenager was helping her family load corn onto a grain elevator when her jacket sleeve because entangled by the elevator PTO shaft. Her body was flung around the shaft and her arm was torn from its socket before the tractor could be turned off.
Case #3: A small child was killed when as an "extra rider" on his father's tractor; he slipped off the tractor and became entangled by a spinning PTO shaft. The father grabbed for the boy as he began to slip but was unable to hold him out of the shaft.
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Case #4: An operator's clothing was near a spinning shaft, pulled him in, flung him around the shaft a couple of times, and then threw him clear. He sustained injuries to his head, leg, right arm, and shoulder.
Though not always convenient or easy, there are several ways to reduce the risk of PTO injury incidents. These safety practices offer protection from the most common types of PTO entanglements.
Recognize that the PTO shaft turns at speeds that are faster than our reaction time. It is easy to get snagged into a turning PTO shaft. To prevent PTO entanglement with its potential for injury and death, follow these guidelines:
Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts are essential components in machines that require the transfer of power from an engine to an attached implement. One of the leading manufacturers of PTO shafts is Woods Equipment, a company that has been in the industry for over 70 years. In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about woods pto shafts, from their history and design to their applications and maintenance.
Woods Equipment was founded in in Oregon, Illinois, by James W. Woods who invented the first tractor-mounted rotary cutter. Since then, the company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of implements, including PTO shafts. Today, Woods Equipment is part of Blount International, a leading manufacturer of equipment for the agriculture, forestry, and construction industries.
Woods PTO shafts are designed for maximum performance and durability. They are made from high-quality materials, such as steel and aluminum, that are able to withstand heavy loads and harsh working conditions. They also come in various lengths and configurations to fit different applications and equipment.
Woods PTO shafts are commonly used in agricultural and industrial machinery to transfer power from a tractor or engine to an attached implement, such as a mower, tiller, or pump. They can also be used in forestry equipment, such as wood chippers and stump grinders.
Woods equipment offers several types of PTO shafts, including standard-duty, heavy-duty, and telescoping. Standard-duty shafts are designed for lighter applications, while heavy-duty shafts are made for more demanding tasks. Telescoping shafts are adjustable, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of use.
PTO shafts can be dangerous if not used properly. Woods PTO shafts come equipped with safety features, such as guards and shields, that help prevent accidents and injuries. It's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using PTO shafts and to inspect them regularly for wear and tear.
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your Woods PTO shaft. This includes lubricating the shaft periodically, checking for wear and tear, and replacing any damaged parts. It's also important to store the shaft properly when not in use to prevent rust and corrosion.
If you experience problems with your Woods PTO shaft, such as vibration or noise, it's important to diagnose and address the issue promptly. Common causes of problems include unbalanced shafts, worn or damaged parts, and improper installation or use. Refer to the manufacturer's manual for troubleshooting tips and solutions.
Using Woods PTO shafts offers several benefits, including increased efficiency, versatility, and productivity. They allow for easy attachment and detachment of implements, reducing downtime and increasing flexibility. They also allow for greater precision and control in various applications.
When buying a Woods PTO shaft, it's important to consider your specific needs and applications. Factors to consider include the length, type, and configuration of the shaft, as well as its compatibility with your equipment. It's also important to purchase from a reputable dealer and to ensure that the shaft is genuine Woods equipment.
Woods PTO shafts are an essential component in many machines and applications. They are designed for maximum performance, durability, and safety, and come in various types and configurations to fit different needs. Proper maintenance and use of Woods PTO shafts can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, making them a valuable investment for any equipment owner.
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