Used Power Take-Off

Operation and Rotation of the Power Take-Off

The basic layout is similar on most agricultural tractors. A shaft takes motion from the engine, a PTO clutch engages it, then a gear train reduces the rotation speed to the desired level. The splined shaft extends out the rear, beneath the lift arms, turning at a standardized revolutions per minute. On modern tractors, the multi-disc PTO clutch is oil-bathed and controlled by an electro-hydraulic switch. Older machines often rely on the main clutch with a dual-action pedal for the PTO.

Splined Shaft, Clutch, Controls: The TMC Bejenne Stock

• PTO Shaft: output shafts and 6 or 21-spline end fittings.
• PTO Clutch: disc packs, pistons, and PTO brakes.
• Controls: mechanical levers, valves, and solenoid controls.
• Housings: rear PTO gearboxes and protective casings.
• Drives: gears, bearings, seals, and angle drives.

PTO Speeds: 540, 540E, and 1,000 RPM

The PTO speed is chosen based on the implement, not the tractor. 540 RPM drives most common tools: mowers, spreaders, sprayers, or small shredders. The 540E reaches the same speed at a reduced engine speed, cutting fuel consumption during light work. The 1,000 RPM setting is for implements requiring high flow and power, like large balers. Versatile tractors offer all three speeds.

Rotation Direction, Splines, and End Fittings

• Rotation Direction: clockwise when viewed from the tractor's rear.
• 540 RPM: 1 3/8 inch, 6-spline end fitting.
• 1,000 RPM: 1 3/8 inch with 21 splines or 1 3/4 inch with 20 splines on larger tractors.
• Interchangeable Fittings: some tractors allow changing the end fitting to suit the tool.
• Proportional PTO: speed varies with tractor forward speed, for power-axle trailers.

Water Pump, Log Splitter, Branch Shredder, Winch

The PTO converts the tractor into a power source, stationary or on the move. A PTO-driven water pump serves irrigation, tank filling, and transfer. Branch shredders or flail mowers require torque and a secure driveshaft. Log splitters or forestry winches operate with the tractor stationary at a steady speed. Each tool requires specific speed and power; verify them before purchase and inspect the PTO end fitting condition.

Accessories and Tools: Circular Saw, Generator

• Circular Saw: stationary use, constant speed, with mandatory protective casing.
• Generator: requires precise speed to maintain electrical frequency.
• Compressor: provides air in the workshop or field without a dedicated engine.
• Pulley: drives a machine via belt, mainly on older tractors.
• Hydraulic Pump: feeds a separate circuit; see our used hydraulic pumps.

Agricultural Driveshaft with Clutch and Safety

The driveshaft connects the tractor's PTO shaft to the implement. Each tool requires a specific agricultural driveshaft: length, transmission tube profile, and safety type. The friction torque limiter functions as a safety clutch protecting the tool from shocks; the freewheel allows heavy parts to slow independently; the shear bolt brakes before the transmission. A driveshaft that's too long or too short damages the PTO fitting: always check tube overlap at high and low lift positions.

Sleeve, Adapter, Multiplier, and Reducer

• Sleeve: changes the end fitting profile to fit a different driveshaft.
• Adapter: converts from 6 to 21 splines without altering speed.
• Extension: lengthens the fitting when the implement is far from the tractor.
• Reducer: decreases diameter for a lighter tool.
• Multiplier and Reducer Gearboxes: gearboxes that actually change the speed, for example, to run a 1,000 RPM implement on a 540 PTO.
• Note: a simple adapter never changes speed; running a 540 tool at 1,000 RPM destroys it.

Affordable Used Agricultural Driveshaft for Flail Mower

The driveshaft for flail mowers absorbs heavy shocks from stumps or stones: its freewheel and limiter wear quickly. Before buying a cheap used agricultural driveshaft, inspect the tractor's PTO fitting. Worn splines can damage a new driveshaft within hours, nullifying savings. TMC Bejenne supplies manufacturer-original shafts and tractor-end fittings, restoring a proper fit to the driveshaft.

Tractor PTO by Brand

• John Deere: series 5000, 6000, and 8000 including 6400, 6420, and 6910.
• New Holland: series TL, TM, TS, TVT, T5, T6, T7, and T8.
• Massey Ferguson: series 6400, 6600, 7600; Valmet: T213.
• Renault: Ares, Celtis, and series 54.
• Case IH CS, CVX, and Maxxum; Deutz-Fahr; Claas Arion and Nexos; Fendt: medium and high-power tractors.
• Ford, Fiat, and Same: classic and vintage tractors, from Ford 5000 to Same Silver models.
• Kubota: PTOs for M series tractors.

Front PTO, Micro-Tractor, and Driveshaft

The front PTO is not just a reversed rear PTO; it has its own clutch, gearbox, and often a tailored rotation direction. Find them in our front PTO range, along with the front lift kits that accompany it. On micro-tractors, the fitting is smaller with limited power: choose a log splitter or shredder based on available PTO power, not engine power. The micro-tractor driveshaft, shorter and thinner, is selected according to hitch category.

Driveshaft and PTO Maintenance and Parts

• Check the transmission oil level: the PTO often shares this housing.
• Watch for slipping when engaging, indicating worn clutch discs.
• Inspect spline condition with every implement change.
• Always reinstall the protective casing and end shield.
• Lubricate crosses and driveshaft tubes; replace worn parts promptly.
• Address any output seal leaks promptly before they damage bearings.

Wide-Angle and Constant Velocity Agricultural Driveshaft

A standard driveshaft accepts only limited angles between tractor and implement; beyond that, it vibrates and damages the PTO fitting. The wide-angle, double universal joint constant velocity driveshaft maintains consistent speed at large steering angles. It is used on short-turning towed implements like spreaders and certain balers. The tractor fitting must be in perfect condition; any play in the splines negates the benefit of the constant velocity joints.

Used Tractor PTO and Pricing

• New price: a complete PTO involves the rear axle and is costly.
• Used price: an original dismantled part is significantly cheaper, with manufacturer quality.
• Quote: the PTO price depends on reference, condition, and shipping.
• Example: a Massey Ferguson 6400 series PTO is priced by part reference, not just model.
• Advice: compare used part price against the tractor downtime cost.

PTOs Inspected by TMC Bejenne Since 1945

Founded in 1945, TMC Bejenne recycles mechanical parts from dismantled tractors. On our 11-hectare site, each PTO is removed, inspected, and linked to the source tractor model. Our catalog of 25,000 references also covers transmissions and lifting systems, with hitch stabilizers that align implements with the driveshaft. For a quote, call 05 86 24 00 26.