Power Take Off (PTO) Safety

The Power Take Off - or PTO - transfers power from the tractor to another implement such as a grain auger, manure spreader, mower or feed grinder. PTOs operate by turning at speeds of 9 - 16 rotations per second. This speed and the device make the PTO very dangerous. A PTO entanglement is scary because you are caught before you can react. An entanglement can occur in the knuckle area, or where the two driveline shafts slide together.

Protect Yourself and Your Family By:

• Wear Close Fitting Clothing - Avoid wearing sweatshirts with drawstrings and baggy or torn clothes, and tie back long hair!
• Safety Equipment is Installed - Be sure that all PTO shields are in place and in good working condition.
• Do Not Leave PTO Running - Start and stop the PTO only when you're sitting in the tractor seat.
• Never Step Over a PTO!!
• Keep Children Away - Never allow young children to play near the PTO unit or work area.