How to Set Up the Correct PTO Shaft Length

The Power Take Off (PTO) delivers power from the tractor to the farm implement in the form of rotation. It commonly powers implements such as balers or feed grinders. The PTO rotates at either 540 or 1,100 rpm under standard engine operating ranges. The PTO shaft is commonly part of the farm implement and attaches to the PTO spline mounted on the rear of the tractor. Universal joints on each end of the shaft allow it to flex when the tractor and implement travel over rough ground or make turns. The shaft also collapses to create a shorter distance for the same reasons.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

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Instructions

• 1

  Hitch the implement to the tractor drawbar or 3-point hitch with the tractor directly ahead of the implement. This action establishes the relative position of the two units when traveling straight ahead.

• 2

  Measure from the point the universal joint of the PTO shaft will connect to the implement to the splines of the PTO shaft on the rear of the tractor. The minimum collapsed length of the shaft can be no longer than this measurement.

• 3

  Acquire a PTO shaft closest to the length of the measurement without being longer than the distance between the tractor and implement. PTO shafts are commercially available in a variety of lengths. For example, if the distance is 40 inches from the tractor to the implement, the best PTO would be 39 inches. A PTO shaft of 43 inches would not fit. The 39-inch PTO shaft will extend as long as 53 inches for turns and still safely operate.