Tractors - Attachments and PTO
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What should you know when using attachments?
Back to top- Before using any attachments or implements, always read, understand and follow the manufacturer's safety manual.
- Only use equipment that is in good repair. Make sure that all guards or shields are in place and operational. Guards around the power take-off shafts, gear box and other rotating/spinning equipment are very important.
- Check that all hydraulic lines are in good condition, securely connected and leak-free.
- Add front counterweights to tractors with rear-mounted attachments for improved steering control and stability.
![Add front counterweights to tractor with rear-mounted attachment](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Vehi008.gif)
- Use correct brackets and recommended sizes and types of bolts for mounting equipment.
- Use jacks, hoists or blocks to position equipment.
- Avoid crushing and entanglement points. Do not stand between a tractor and an implement.
![Entanglement Points](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Danger003.gif)
- Ensure that safety locks and catches are fastened.
- Attempt to line up the hitch holes from the tractor seat, then shut off the engine before dismounting to attach the hitch.
![Hitch Crush Point](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/danger012.gif)
- Do not crawl under anything supported only by a hydraulic lift. Always use blocks, jack stands, or other suitable and stable supports.
- Make sure all guards are in place (master and integral shields). Damaged guards and shields should be repaired or replaced immediately.
![Power Take-Off Unit with Guards](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/danger017.gif)
What should you be aware of when using the Power Take-Off (PTO)?
Back to topThe power take-off is extremely dangerous. The PTO spins quickly enough to trap a person and can easily catch loose clothing or long hair.
![Danger!](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/sign013.gif)
When attaching or detaching PTO-driven equipment:
- As mentioned above, before using any attachments or implements, always read, understand and follow the manufacturer's safety manual.
- Only use equipment that is in good repair. Make sure that all guards or shields are in place and operational.
- Guards around the power take-off shafts, gear box and other rotating/spinning equipment are very important.
- Lower hydraulics.
- Shut off the tractor engine.
- Apply tractor parking brake.
- Hitch tractor to implement.
- Ensure that universal joints are in the correct phase when connecting the shaft.
- Do not wear loose clothing. Tie back long hair. Do not wear shoe laces dangling.
- Stand away from moving or rotating equipment. Where possible, operate from the tractor seat, and have bystanders be at least 6 metres (20 feet) away.
- Do not remove shields from the PTO shaft.
- Make sure that the PTO spinner/integral shields rotate freely.
- Use the correct size drive for the machine being powered.
- Match the correct PTO speed for the machine being used.
- Do not step over a rotating shaft. Even PTO shafts with guards are dangerous. Walk around the equipment.
- Know how to stop the tractor, engine and attachment quickly in case of emergency.
- Follow shutdown procedures and wait for all moving parts to stop before getting off the tractor or approaching the attachment.
- Disconnect PTO when not in use.
- Fact sheet last revised: 2018-08-31