The power take-off shaft with a breakable wedge is a safety mechanism used in PTO shafts (Power Take-off Shafts) and other drive devices. Its main function is to protect against overloads and mechanical damage in the event of a sudden load or blocking of the working tool.

How does a PTO shaft with a breakaway wedge work?

• Construction: The PTO shaft with a breakable wedge consists of two parts - a threaded head and a special metal or plastic wedge. This wedge is designed so that the connection between the shaft and the working tool can break if excessive load occurs.
• Safety feature: When the PTO shaft experiences a sudden load, such as when the work tool gets stuck or encounters an obstruction, the breakaway wedge breaks, breaking the connection between the drive shaft and the tool. Thanks to this, the torque and force are not transmitted further, which protects against damage to the shaft, tool and other drive elements.
• Wedge Replacement: Once a breakaway wedge breaks, replacement is required. This is a relatively easy procedure that requires unscrewing the damaged wedge and installing a new one.
• Operator Safety: The breakaway wedge mechanism is also important for operator safety. It protects against the risk of damage to the working tool and tractor and minimizes the risk of injuries resulting from uncontrolled stopping of the tool.

What is a PTO shaft?

PTO shaft (Power take-off shaft) is a mechanism used in agricultural machines and other devices powered by tractors or other power sources. The PTO shaft has the function of transmitting mechanical power from the driving device (e.g. a tractor) to the driven work tool (e.g. a flail mower, shredder, bale wrapper or other agricultural machines).

How does the PTO shaft work?

• Drive source: The PTO shaft is usually driven by special gears located on the tractor's drive shaft. This shaft rotates at a speed depending on the tractor engine speed.
• Power Transmission: Power from the PTO shaft is transferred to the implement via a gear mechanism. These mechanisms may vary, depending on the type of device and manufacturer, but the most common are clutches, drive belts or direct mechanical connections.
• Securities: The PTO shaft is usually equipped with safeguards that protect against overload and mechanical damage. The most commonly used are one-way clutches, which allow the shaft to rotate in only one direction. In the event of a sudden load or blocking of the working tool, the one-way clutch disconnects the drive, which minimizes the risk of damage to the PTO shaft and devices.
• Different types of PTO shafts: There are different types of PTO shafts, including standard (540 rpm) and more advanced (1000 rpm), which differ in rotational speed and power transmission capabilities.

Application of the PTO shaft:

• Flail mowers: Used for mowing grass and weeds.
• Shredders: Used to shred branches and other organic materials.
• Bale wrappers: Designed for wrapping bales of hay or straw with stretch foil.
• Hydraulic pumps: Used to drive hydraulic pumps in agricultural machines.

The PTO shaft is an essential element in agriculture and horticulture, enabling the effective use of the tractor's power for various agricultural and care tasks. It is important to properly protect and maintain the PTO shaft to ensure its longevity and the safety of operators.