Tractors – Using Equipment with a Power Take-Off (PTO)

When using any power take-off driven equipment (attachments or implements): 

• Always read, understand and follow the manufacturer's safety manual.
• Only use equipment that is in good repair. Equipment should be inspected frequently for signs of wear and damage. 
• Make sure that all guards or shields are in place and operational. Guards around the power take-off shafts, gearbox and other rotating or spinning equipment are very important. Damaged guards and shields should be repaired or replaced immediately. Do not remove shields from the power take-off shaft.
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• 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.

• Use correct brackets and recommended sizes and types of bolts for mounting equipment.
• The breaking strength of safety chains, hooks, and bolts must be equal to the total actual weight of the towed implement and any load it is carrying.
• Use the correct size drive for the machine being powered.
• Remember that potential energy (electrical, gravitational, hydraulic, mechanical) can be stored in elevated and powered equipment. Use hazardous energy controls when required.
• Do not crawl under anything supported only by a hydraulic lift. Always use blocks, jack stands, hoists, or other suitable and stable supports.
• Avoid crushing and entanglement points. 
• Do not stand between a tractor and an attachment or implement.

• The power take-off is extremely dangerous. The power take-off spins quickly enough to trap a person and can easily catch loose clothing, long hair, jewellery, shoelaces, and hood strings. Loose and dangling items should be avoided, securely tied back, or covered. 
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• Power take-off shafts with guards are also dangerous. It is safer to walk around the equipment than to step over the rotating shaft.
• 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 allow anyone to ride on or in the equipment unless it is designed to transport passengers safely.
• Know how to stop the tractor, engine, and equipment quickly in case of an emergency.

When attaching or detaching power take-off driven equipment:

• Perform a pre-use inspection and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. 
• Position the equipment.
• Attempt to line up the hitch holes from the tractor seat.
• Lower hydraulics.
• Apply the tractor parking brake.
• Shut off the tractor engine before dismounting to attach the hitch.
• Hitch the tractor to the equipment.
• Make sure that universal joints are in the correct phase when connecting the shaft.
• Make sure that safety chains, locks, and catches are fastened.
• Make sure that the power take-off spinner or integral shields rotate freely.
• Match the correct power take-off speed for the equipment being used.
• Once you have finished using the equipment, follow the shutdown procedures, apply the tractor parking brake, and wait for all moving parts to stop before getting off the tractor or approaching the equipment and power take-off.
• Disconnect the power take-off when not in use.