What is a 540 pto?

[Carey Ogier]

I am new to the tractor world and am looking at buying an older tractor. I want to know what is a 540 pto, and are implements for this type of pto have to be a 540 also. I think the Perkins is a desiel but need conformation on this.

 

[Don-Wi]

540 refers to the RPM. It is a 6-splined 1 3/8" shaft, where as a tractor equipped with 1000 RPM is a 21 spline shaft, either 1 3/8" or a larger size(can't remember the other size).

Typically any tractor under 100 HP will have 540 pto, or be capable of both. The smallest tractor to have 1000 is about 55-60 HP, but there really aren't many implements they would be able to run, as 1000 RPM PTO's are typically for higher horsepower applications.

To answer your second question, do the implements have to be 540 also?
YES!!! Some implements have a gearbox that can be turned around and used on either or (some round balers, mowers, etc). If you're looking at a tractor in the 20-60 HP range, it shouldn't really be a concern, as all implements you'd be running will be 540 and the tractor should have a 540 pto shaft.

Hope this helps

Donovan from Wisconsin

 

[Carey Ogier]

Donovan, thanks for the reply.
What you are saying is if I want a post hole digger, I can't get one from tractor supply? Can I get a kit so I can use any class 1 implement?

 

[Don-Wi]

You shouldn't have any problems using a post hole digger from TSC or anywhere else.

By class one, I'm guessing you mean category 1. That refers to the 3 pt. hitch. That is the size of the pins in the arms, and the space betwe them. For more information on that, there is a link called 3-point specs under research & info.

Here's a picture of the back of our MF 165-

The shaft sticking out near the bottom is the 540 PTO shaft. The arms on either side are Category I 3 pt. arms. The 3rd point to hook on for a 3 pt. connection is the U shaped bracket above the PTO shaft. The hoses on either side are the remote hydraulics. On this tractor they are plumbed in to run the loader on the front of the tractor.

Donovan from Wisconsin

 

[Carey Ogier]

Thank you so much for the picture, and info. when I get mine I will take pictures so you can help me out.

 

[Anonymous-0]

i have a question for don-wi.i have that same remote (the one to the left)on my 165 and i always seem to have a hard time getting it to couple just right.makes me say words i cant repeat on here.i am usually about worn out by the time i get something hooked up.i push the ball down first on the male end letting off some pressure but its still a battle. thanks RICK

 

[44 massey]

I have a Satoh 650G that has 540 and 1000 pto on the same 6-spline pto shaft! Dont know what you would use it for, all american made tractor I know of were 540 with 6-spline shaft!

 

[Don-Wi]

Thse are remotes that I installed myself after installing the hydraulic pump on the front driven from the crank.

Some remotes can be hard to work with. The remotes on our 285, you have to pull on the hose on the tractor end to pull the coupler out, then push the hose into it. No way you can just push them together, atleast not with lots of trouble and swearing.

Hope this helped-

Donovan from Wisconsin

 

[Finn Md]

sounds unusual. are you pulling back on female end of coupler too or pushing down also?

 

[Carey Ogier]

How are the massey's 135? it has 32 hp, is in general a good tractor?

 

[Don-Wi]

Lots of information about them on thise board- do a search. Very popular tractor, and very well liked. Others can give you more to look for while checking it out, but for it's size it's a pretty strong little tractor.

Donovan from Wisconsin