Teaching Kit – PTO (Power Take Off)

Ensuring safety in Canadian agriculture with CASA and ACA standards.

Teaching Kit – PTO (Power Take Off)

PTO (Power Take Off) - Teaching Kit

A power take-off, or PTO, transfers power from a tractor to attached equipment. It is an essential part of many farm machines, but it can also be extremely dangerous. PTO shafts operate at 540 RPM or 1,000 RPM. If clothing, hair or other materials become caught, there may not be enough time to react.

How to Play:
Think you’re fast enough to beat a Power Take-Off? Test your reaction time against a PTO.

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You Can’t Win a Fight With a PTO

No matter how quickly you react, the safest choice is to stay away from a moving PTO shaft. Whether it is operating at 540 RPM or 1,000 RPM, a PTO can pull in clothing, hair or other loose materials before you have time to respond.

 Stay Safe Around PTOs
  • Keep all shields and guards in place.
  • Stay clear while equipment is running.
  • Disengage the PTO before leaving the tractor seat.
  • Turn off the engine and remove the key before approaching equipment.
  • Walk around a PTO shaft. Never step over it.

See a PTO in Action

A PTO shaft rotates quickly to transfer power from a tractor to attached equipment. PTOs commonly operate at 540 RPM or 1,000 RPM.