Noob operator queetions about PTO and creeper gears

[AusM4500dt]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a M4500DT with a few implements.

I have never used a tractor before so I'm a bit lost where the manual isn't super clear.

This model has "Ground" and "Live" PTO options, a PTO clutch lever, and a lever at the back attached to the PTO output box to select 540/1000 RPM or neutral.

The manual says to use the PTO I should lift the PTO clutch lever to disengage it, then shift to either Live or Ground PTO. The manual doesn't mention the rear lever for 540/1000 at all.

When I first tried to use the PTO to run a slasher, following the above procedure and also depressing the main foot clutch fully (while hi/low and main gear is in netral) worked to use it in "Ground" setting where the shaft only spun while tractor was in motion.

But when I tried to set it to "Live", it sounded like gears grinding briefly while moving the lever. It did engage the one time I pushed through that sound but it doesn't sound like a good noise.

I was wondering if someone could please explain the proper process to get it into "Live" PTO please? I think that is the setting I need for most of the implements I have.

I was also wondering if someone could please explain the use of the 540/1000/neutral selection, as this isn't in the manual at all. Does it need to be out of neutral for the PTO to run, and if so, when and how would I change it?

I'm also uncertain on how to use the Creeper gear. It can be hi/low/neutral, but not sure on how it fits with the other gearing options.

I appreciate any advice for a total newbie.

Thanks

 

[Russell King]

I can only provide general knowledge on the use of the PTO. Nothing specific about your particular tractor but others will be along.

For the 540/1000/neutral lever: There are several different speeds for PTOs in the world. 540 is the most common in the USA but there are some implements that use the 1000 RPM setting. So put it in neutral if you have no intention of using it at all so the output shaft does not turn (so it is safer). Select the speed needed for the implement (usually 540 here, no idea in Australia) before you try to engage any other levers. The “ground” is for some implements that are required to operate at a speed relative to the ground speed of the tractor. Those would be fertilizer spreaders and manure spreaders and such. The “live” setting is for rear implements driven by the PTO shaft. Live means that it will stay spinning without the tractor moving.

It should go into the PTO without grinding for sure but I don’t think you have to push the clutch pedal down.

This thread describes the same situation on a similar tractor. It may help you adjust your PTO.

M4050 PTO grinding

Hi, I'm new to the forum but figure I'll be a regular. I did a search for this and didn't come up with anything helpful. I recently traded for an old M4050DT and it has a few issues that I'm working on. When I lift the PTO clutch disengage lever and then try to engage the live pto theres a...

www.orangetractortalks.com

Good luck