Confused about Live PTO Types

[NF6X]

I'm learning about tractors as I contemplate my first tractor purchase, to replace the Bobcat that I have been using to maintain my little 5 acre property. I'm leaning towards one of those beautiful orange L-series tractors. I don't entirely understand the different PTO types listed in the specifications:

• Transmission driven with overrunning clutch
• Live with overrunning clutch
• Live continuous running
• Live independent hydraulic PTO with PTO brake, wet clutch

I think I understand the difference between transmission driven and live, and I understand the purpose of the overrunning clutch. But I don't understand the differences between the three live types.

I'm currently leaning towards either an L2501HST or L3301HST, so that would mean I'd have either live with overrunning clutch or live continuous running. How are those different? Can either type be shut off while still allowing tractor movement, or do either or both run all the time? When can either or both types be shut off, i.e. can the tractor be in motion, can the hydrostatic drive be engaged or does it need to be in neutral, etc. Does the live continuous running have an overrunning clutch?

I don't know whether the PTO type might affect my decision of which tractor would work best for me. I'd just like to understand what I'm looking at. And in any case, learning the little subtle details of these different tractors is fun.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

On newer tractors you really don't get a choice, the type of PTO setup will depend on the transmission.
They equip tractors with the PTO type that works with the design and capabilities of the transmission.

So pick your transmission type and that will pick the PTO type.

Simple answer is the first one on you PTO type list requires you to push in the driven clutch to shut the PTO off so it is not live.

The other three are live and controlled by a separate clutch or engagement device that are independent of the movement of the tractor.

 

[NF6X]

Thanks! I was just concerned that "continuous running" might imply that the PTO can't be stopped without turning off the engine. As long as all of the live PTO varieties allow tractor movement with the PTO either engaged or disengaged, and the PTO can be engaged/disengaged without stopping the motor (even if the tractor needs to be stationary while switching), they're all good to me.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks! I was just concerned that "continuous running" might imply that the PTO can't be stopped without turning off the engine. As long as all of the live PTO varieties allow tractor movement with the PTO either engaged or disengaged, and the PTO can be engaged/disengaged without stopping the motor (even if the tractor needs to be stationary while switching), they're all good to me.

Yes, all types can all be engaged or disengaged without having to turn the motor off.

 

[NF6X]

Thanks again for tolerating my silly noob questions!

 

[TripleR]

See if this helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvk51QbZCPE

 

[NF6X]

See if this helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvk51QbZCPE

It didn't answer my specific questions, but it certainly helps from a safety standpoint. I've already found Tractor Mike's channel, watched a bunch of his videos and subscribed to his channel, but I hadn't watched that video yet. Thanks for pointing it out. But that tractor he was leaning on was totally the wrong color.

 

[TripleR]

It didn't answer my specific questions, but it certainly helps from a safety standpoint. I've already found Tractor Mike's channel, watched a bunch of his videos and subscribed to his channel, but I hadn't watched that video yet. Thanks for pointing it out. But that tractor he was leaning on was totally the wrong color.

Try this: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/129794-continuous-pto.html

 

[NF6X]

Try this: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/129794-continuous-pto.html

Thanks!

I hope I'll be able to visit the local orange dealer sometime this week and start looking at tractors in person.

 

[Tx Jim]

Continuous running pto means tractor can be stopped to shift gears by depressing foot pedal 1/2 way down but pto will continue to operate until pedal is fully depressed.

 

[GWDawg1]

Continuous running pto means tractor can be stopped to shift gears by depressing foot pedal 1/2 way down but pto will continue to operate until pedal is fully depressed.

Exactly what my dealer told me yesterday about an L3901.

 

[NF6X]

When I visited the dealer a couple weeks ago and test drove an L3901HST, he told me that the clutch pedal on that model was only used for engaging and disengaging the PTO.

Anyway, I think I will finish working on my Bobcat 753 this weekend so I can put it up for sale. If all goes well, I hope to be replacing it with a nice new L3301HST with loader, brush cutter and land plane soon.

 

[Ryansweatt2004]

Exactly what my dealer told me yesterday about an L3901.

This is exactly how my 2015 L3901DT works.

 

[eserv]

When I visited the dealer a couple weeks ago and test drove an L3901HST, he told me that the clutch pedal on that model was only used for engaging and disengaging the PTO.

Anyway, I think I will finish working on my Bobcat 753 this weekend so I can put it up for sale. If all goes well, I hope to be replacing it with a nice new L3301HST with loader, brush cutter and land plane soon.

But the clutch pedal on a L3901hst DOES stop the tractor movement as well as the PTO!

 

[NF6X]

Yeah, looking at the brochure, I see that the clutch type changes between the L3301 and the L3901.

 

[TripleR]

I'm pretty sure it is the same on the 3301/3901 HST, the change only appears to be on the gear models.

 

[eserv]

Yeah, looking at the brochure, I see that the clutch type changes between the L3301 and the L3901.

L3301dt doesn't have "dual" clutch, thus doesn't have "live" pto like L3901dt does! It would be frustrating to operate a snowblower with it! (L3301dt)
The HST models have a "single" clutch too, but the HST can be used to interrupt power to the wheels leaving the PTO operating thus they do have "live" PTO though not really "independent".