PTO operation on a L3901 with HST

afret

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L3901, MX5800, U55-4
May 7, 2015
167
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North Idaho
I've never used the PTO before so I have a question. The operator's manual states you have to push the clutch in to use the PTO. Would I have to push the clutch in before moving the PTO lever to the "on" position even with a HST?

Thanks!
 

BCrouse

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Jul 30, 2016
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PA
I've never used the PTO before so I have a question. The operator's manual states you have to push the clutch in to use the PTO. Would I have to push the clutch in before moving the PTO lever to the "on" position even with a HST?



Thanks!


Yup. Push the clutch in, keep it held in, engage the lever, let the clutch out slowly. PTO spins.

Reverse for disengaging PTO
 

afret

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L3901, MX5800, U55-4
May 7, 2015
167
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North Idaho
Just a couple more questions. Is it OK to turn the PTO on with nothing hooked up to it just to test it and does the cap on the shaft just pull off?

Thanks.
 

Fro65

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L3301HST, LA525, BH77, LP tiller, LP grader box, LP blade, BX2380
Dec 30, 2014
220
4
18
NorthEast Indiana
It doesn't hurt anything to engage the pto with no load. Yes, the cap just pulls off.

Be advised, if yours is like mine was, the pto shaft will be completely covered with grease under the cap. Once the cap is removed and the pto is engaged, said grease will sling quite a ways. Wife didn't appreciate it all over the side of her suv.:D
 

afret

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Equipment
L3901, MX5800, U55-4
May 7, 2015
167
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North Idaho
Thanks for the info. I took the cap off and there is a lot of grease like you said. I'll wipe most of it off before starting it up.

Thanks again, guys!
 

afret

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Equipment
L3901, MX5800, U55-4
May 7, 2015
167
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North Idaho
Just tried it and it worked! Thanks!

Just thought of another question. If a chipper with a 220lb flywheel is running and I want to turn it off, is it best to bring the engine speed down to idle before pushing in the clutch or just push in the clutch at PTO speed and turn the PTO lever off?
 

JasonW

Active member
Jan 29, 2015
295
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Al
Just tried it and it worked! Thanks!

Just thought of another question. If a chipper with a 220lb flywheel is running and I want to turn it off, is it best to bring the engine speed down to idle before pushing in the clutch or just push in the clutch at PTO speed and turn the PTO lever off?
You can either way, but probably with a chipper I would idle down before switching the pto lever.
Just a tip guessing you haven't used a pto before always have the tractor off when hooking and unhooking the pto shaft. A tractor even at idle has enough power at the pto to grab you and roll you up in it within a few seconds. Hate to be so gruesome but many people underestimate rotating equipment.

Also try not to turn the tractor off with the pto engaged as it will slam whatever is on the 3pt to a dead stop, unless of course it's an emergency.
 

afret

New member

Equipment
L3901, MX5800, U55-4
May 7, 2015
167
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0
North Idaho
You can either way, but probably with a chipper I would idle down before switching the pto lever.
Just a tip guessing you haven't used a pto before always have the tractor off when hooking and unhooking the pto shaft. A tractor even at idle has enough power at the pto to grab you and roll you up in it within a few seconds. Hate to be so gruesome but many people underestimate rotating equipment.

Also try not to turn the tractor off with the pto engaged as it will slam whatever is on the 3pt to a dead stop, unless of course it's an emergency.
Thanks for the tips. Yeah, it's easy to forget how easy it is to have a serious accident with tractors.
 

BCrouse

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Jul 30, 2016
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PA
The L3901 (and the other L's) have a live pto with overrunning clutch.

You should be able to push the clutch in and disengage the pto lever, and whatever implement you have on will spin down on its own.

I know my bushhog does. It takes a little for it to spin down but it slows on its own.
 

D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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With virtually any tractor it is prudent to have the engine speed reduced before engaging or dis-engaging the PTO, with any equipment attached. Much less stress on all parts.
 

rjcorazza

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Equipment
L4060 HSTC Loader, ZD326, ZD1211
Mar 9, 2016
778
24
18
Hyattstown, MD
HST Kubotas do not all have clutches. My previous L3410 had a clutch that had to be used to engage the pto. New L4060 does not have a clutch, which makes using the brakes (left side) for steering much easier.
 

Cousin Eddie

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L4701HST, LP RCF2072 Rotary Cutter, LP RTA2072 Tiller, Diamond C 45HDT
Sep 14, 2016
25
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0
Southeast Kansas
L4701HST uses a knob you push and turn to activate the PTO. It still has a clutch inside it I'm sure, just no foot pedal to press. At first I thought I wouldn't like it, but it growing on me.
 

clay45

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L2050DT, TSC 5ft Rake, Tartar 5ft rototiller, TSC Middlebuster, TSC CarryAll
Feb 6, 2015
279
1
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SC
Sounds like the newer tractors allow you to disengage the PTO with just the clutch depressed. On my 1989 L2050 I must also be in neutral.
 

white cloud

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Sep 15, 2016
37
0
6
S.C.
We are going to be getting an L2501 soon. Neither my wife or I have ever used a tractor and so this is very useful information. Thank you.