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What does PTO mean on a tractor?

PTO stands for Power Take-Off.

On John Deere tractors, the PTO is a critical system that allows you to transfer the engine’s mechanical power to operate attachments and implements such as mowers, balers, tillers, and more. This means you can use your tractor to power equipment that does not have its own engine, making your machine much more versatile for a variety of farm and property tasks.

How Does the PTO Work?

  • The PTO is typically a rotating shaft located at the rear (and sometimes front) of the tractor.

  • When engaged, it transfers rotational energy from the tractor’s engine to the attached implement via a driveline or PTO shaft

  • Common PTO speeds are 540 or 1,000 RPM, depending on the implement requirements

Different Types of PTO.

  • Live PTO: Allows the PTO to keep running even if you stop the tractor, using a two-stage clutch system

  • Independent PTO: Can be engaged or disengaged independently of tractor movement, often with a separate control switch

Have questions about operating the PTO on your John Deere tractor or need help with compatible implements, contact Koenig Equipment.