TO30 PTO ...How it works?

[hamx15]

Hi...from town raised 58 year old that knows little about tractors...
I've moved,now I'm on a small 5 acre plot,and am about to invest in a seemingly nice TO30... I've got to come up with a bushhog for it but thats not why I'm in here with you.... I had it explained to me by the owner of the tractor I'm buying,as to how things work,concerning the use of the PTO engagement lever,and it's association with the Hydralic lift...
I'm trying to get more info as to how this all is connected internally... I was told that the PTO had to be engaged,before I had the use of the hydralic lift 3 point.... I have a concern here..
In the event I should have something attached to the PTO,(such as a bush hog cutter)I was told that I had to engage the PTO,before I would have any hydralic lift....In this case,it would mean that the PTO would have to be engaged,and the bush hog,start to be driven,before I could lift it... That to me sounds like some not so thought out enginerring...I'm not looking to,find a place to voice my opinions.....What I want is for this issue to be verified,so I'll gain a bit more idea,as to how this PTO and Hydralic system functions....I picture a sort of horror vision,thinking about,the fact of not being able to lift the 3 point system,without driving the PTO and whatever may be attached to it....To me (and I've stated that I know nothing about all this)it sounds like this isn't correct.... Or maybe it is..Any input about this PTO drive and hydralic lift connection,would be nice.......Thanks in advance.......P.S....I am aware that the PTO output shaft,can be disconnected by hand,the owner showed me that already... That may be the only way to prevent the PTO from powering anything connected,if you have to use the lift,and don't want the PTO output to be driving any attachment..

 

[hamx15]

Hi.......I think I may have (stumbled)into my own answer.... I have just finished reading down in the posts,and by some coinsidence,I have found a very simular mesg content,as to my question....
Under (Topic: No lift without rotation.)...
By reading the replys,it does seem that without PTO rotation,there is no lift.... So at the same time I have read the mention of the (Live Thang)supposedly built by one ..Mr.Zane Sherman

It seem that this,(albeit somewhat expensive add on)will provide exactly what I'm looking for...... That being(full use of the lift without the engagement of the PTO).At $435.00 (if the price hasn't gone up sence that post)This isn't a cheap fix.Pay the price,or climb down and disconect,the PTO input from the attached implement.Then store the PTO input shaft away somewhere,so ya don't lose it.then reconnect it,before you decide to,use the implement again.It just may be worth the price tag.

Picture this senerio...You approach your tractor,the bush hog cutter is still attached from the last useage.You desire to startup the tractor,and drive down the road a bit,and then enter the area you want to mow.Simple enough,but first you need to disconnect,the PTO input shaft,and carry it along with you in your pocket I say "nuts",I do belive I'd spend the $435.00.It appears that my concerns about that issue,may be solved.....
Now if I can just get around the uneasy feeling of buying a TO30,knowing that I've read the mention of (quite common)the occurance of the blocks on the z129's cracking between the cylinders,and there aint no cure,nor easy fix,nor is there any supply of these blocks.This little TO30 I've found is seemingly very solid,no leaks,and purrs...My luck will be that that was all before I bought it.A cracked block,is a dead tractor,sold for parts.I digress ...please excuse me....So.....in anycase....thanks for any input.....

 

[Anonymous-0]

if you are not in a hurry to purchase a tractor you can get one like 5 years newer but of a different brand that will let you raise your implements without running the pto. for a guy like you without much experience it might be better.there are alot of different older make tractors out there that might suit you better just look around and ask alot of questions on this board and you will get steered in the right direction RICK

 

[John (UK)]

There are thousands of these tractor doing exactly what you are trying to do without resorting to fitting anything else. What you are forgetting when you say it hasn't been very well thought out is that this tractor was designed in the 1930's and such things as rotary mowers etc. weren't even thought about, it was designed to replace the horse and plough, only when they got them into work did they realise just how versatile it could be. If you want a tractor where you don't have to run the PTO get the later 35 version which does all that. This tractor is the forerunner of ALL modern tractors that you see and all tractor manufacturers have copied it or parts of it at one time or another, even today it still happens. It is possible to use the tractor as you wish to operate, the only thing that you haven't considered and that may not be able to handle it, is the driver...John

 

[phil(va)]

It is as you say. However, generally it is not a problem. Engaging the PTO, and thus the rotary cutter blade, in order to raise the lift is not an issue unless you have small children or pets about and you might be concerned about debris being throw their direction. Otherwise it is a non issue. To go down the road you can leave it running, or you can turn it off after you raise the cutter slightly, and with the wheel on the ground/road, the cutter should not drop quickly, allowing you to proceed for some distance with the cutter off. Either way, be sure to use a overrunning clutch on the PTO shaft where you hook up the cutter shaft. An ORC costs about $50 and is essential. Now, the alternative I would choose is not the Live Thang, which probably is a good product and I know Zane Sherman to be honorable, but rather I'd buy another tractor, slightly newer, that had live lift. Another post suggested that also, and the Ferguson 35 was mentioned. The Ford NAA and Ford 600 are also good options for a similar price.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Am I missing something you are trying to do?

The four foot slasher ("brushhog") was on my Fergy for years, never disconnected. If I wanted to drive somewhere I'd engage the PRO, raise the slasher, disengage the PTO and drive off.

Slasher up, no rotation. What is hard about that?

 

[Anonymous-0]

"I'd engage the PRO, raise the slasher,..."

Sorry, should be: "I'd engage the PTO, raise the slasher,..."

Must be my computer.... LOL

 

[steveormary]

Hamx

I grew up with two Fergusons and various Fords and Farmalls. We never cracked a block on any of the tractors. One Ford and one Farmall had LPTO and power steering. Set up the TO30 to bushhog. Installed down limit chains and an ORC. Set throttle for about 1500 engine rpm to get 540 PTO rpm and used 1st. or 2nd. gear. Worked good.

steveormary