The power take-off shaft (PTO) with clutch is a special type of shaft used in agricultural machines and other devices, which is equipped with a clutch mechanism. This mechanism is intended to protect against overloads and mechanical damage and to ensure smoother and safer operation of devices driven by the PTO shaft.

How does the PTO shaft with clutch work?

• Construction: The PTO shaft with clutch consists of a traditional shaft that transfers power from the tractor to the working implement, and a clutch mechanism located on the shaft. The clutch mechanism can take many forms, including overrunning clutches, disc clutches, or other advanced mechanisms.
• Safety function: The clutch acts as an overload protection mechanism. When the working tool encounters a sudden load or is blocked, the clutch disengages the drive, protecting the PTO shaft, tractor and working tool against damage.

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.
• Protection: 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.