TO-30 PTO/Hydraulics question

tanner7212 · Dec 3, 2017

Hi everyone,

I have a '54 TO-30 and thus far I have been leaving the PTO engaged so my hydraulics are always ready to go. I don't use PTO driven implements but I like not having to think about engaging/disengaging. Someone just told me that I should turn the PTO off when I am not using it/before i shut the tractor down instead of leaving it on. I have never previously heard anything one way or another about this so I'm wondering if I can get some advice. I don't want to cause any damage or unnecessary wear. Thanks!

Ark68SS · Dec 3, 2017

I leave mine on all the time.
It's probably a good idea to install the cover over the PTO shaft if you don't use it, but I can't do that 'cause I have an overrunning clutch installed. Just don't get near the spinning shaft.
BillL

Jerry/MT · Dec 3, 2017

I can"t imagine any reason that you will damage anything by leaving the PTO/hydraulic pump (with no pto driven implement on the hitch) connected all the time except for the obvious wear on the bearings. etc from having the pump and the shaft turning all the time the engine is running. I would advise you to have the pro shaft cap installed for obvious safety reasons.

Ron(Ont) · Dec 4, 2017

(quoted from post at 15:21:48 12/03/17) Hi everyone,

I have a '54 TO-30 and thus far I have been leaving the PTO engaged so my hydraulics are always ready to go. I don't use PTO driven implements but I like not having to think about engaging/disengaging. Someone just told me that I should turn the PTO off when I am not using it/before i shut the tractor down instead of leaving it on. I have never previously heard anything one way or another about this so I'm wondering if I can get some advice. I don't want to cause any damage or unnecessary wear. Thanks!

I always turn mine off. Just a habit really, but when I am done I always raise the implement, then turn off the PTO. Then, drive to the barn and lower the implement and shut off the tractor. If there is nothing on the back, it is always off with the PTO cover on.

Another situation where I disengage is when I am moving into position with the mower or snow blower attached. The PTO shaft is too noisy when fully lifted.

It does save a little on wear-and-tear.

Craig (DE) · Dec 4, 2017

I always leave my PTO engaged. I keep the clutch in when starting then ease it out to let the pump do it's thing.

TO-30 PTO/Hydraulics question

tanner7212

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Ark68SS

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Jerry/MT

Well-known Member

Ron(Ont)

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Craig (DE)

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