Everything You Need to Know About Kubota PTO Safety Switch

Kubota is one of the best tractor brands out there along with the likes of John Deere and Mahindra. Like most other brands, the Kubota tractors also come with a range of functionalities such as safety switches. 

The Kubota PTO safety switch is one of several safety switches included on the Kubota tractor. Its role is to control the PTO function of the Kubota tractor which allows secondary devices to be powered by the Kubota engine. 

Read on below to learn more about the Kubota tractor’s PTO safety switch. 

What is a Kubota PTO Safety Switch?

Like many other tractors, Kubota tractors have safety switches installed to ensure users don’t get hurt. The Power Take Off (PTO) switch is one of these key safety switches. 

Its’ function is to prevent the external implements or appliances connected to Kubota tractors from being accidentally switched on.  

How does the Kubota PTO Safety Switch work? 

PTO stands for Power Take Off. It refers to a device within the Kubota tractor that transfers mechanical energy from the engine to an external appliance or implement. 

The mechanism on which this action runs is the conversion of hydraulic power from rotary. The hydraulic power from the tractor engine then powers the implements or appliances attached to the tractor. 

An example of PTO is a jackhammer that cannot operate on its own as it does not have its power source. So it is operated using the power obtained from the engine of the tractor. 

The safety switch, when turned on, makes sure the engine is also switched off so that any appliances or implements attached to the tractor do not get activated immediately as you turn on the engine. 

Why do you need a Kubota PTO Safety Switch?  

The Kubota PTO safety switch prevents energy from being wasted. It does this by having the energy from the engine of the tractor be transmitted to an external implement or device. 

One example is towing. Normally you would need much more energy to tow with the tractor, but using the PTO switch, you can do it with much less energy usage. 

Now imagine you have an appliance such as a jackhammer attached to the Kubota tractor. If the safety switch is not turned on, the jackhammer may start operating suddenly as soon as you turn on the engine and that might result in an accident. 

How to choose a Kubota PTO Safety Switch? 

Choosing an appropriate PTO is very important to ensure that there is efficient power transmission between the tractor and the implements. You should make these considerations before deciding on choosing an appropriate PTO. 

• The torque requirements of the implementation. 
• The horsepower was necessary for the secondary component. 
• Whether the operation will be continuous or in intervals 
• Specific applications of the PTO process
• Speed requirements of the secondary device 
• Amount of space needed 
• The process of engaging the PTO 
• Method of PTO engagement 

How to install a PTO Safety Clutch 

Although the Kubota tractor has a built-in PTO safety switch, you might occasionally need to replace it due to wear and strain. The following steps show how you can install the PTO safety clutch on the Kubota tractor. 

Step 1: Prepare to Replace the PTO Clutch

First, you need to make preparations for replacing the PTO clutch. For this, you will need to get a power bar, a jack for lifting the tractor and a ratchet set. You must take the following safety precautions as well: 

• Get safety goggles or other protective equipment for your eyes
• Notice that the ignition remains in the “Off” position and is not accidentally turned on. 
• To keep the tractor from accidentally moving, place a wheel chock under the back tires. 

Once these precautions have been taken, you can then proceed to open the engine cover and have the spark plug wire removed. 

Step 2: Access the Engine

Next, adjust the height of the deck to the lowest setting. Loosen the pulleys at the top of the tractor deck. Now you need to loosen it by removing the support pins holding the thing together and then keep them safe inside a container. 

Put the jack under the deck and then raise the deck so you can start working on the engine immediately. 

Step 3: Locate and Remove the Old PTO Clutch

Next, you have to remove the PTO clutch. The PTO clutch lies under the crankshaft. So after locating it, unbolt the clutch. Carefully place the clutch safely away from your work area. 

Step 4: Install the New PTO Clutch

Now it’s time to put the new clutch in place. Carefully place it at the appropriate position and then bolt it tightly using a ratchet. Make sure that all the connections are correctly attached and secure. 

Step 5: Test the New Clutch

Now the jack released slowly and then lowered safely to the ground. Put the spark plug wire back in place and then have the engine cover closed. Now you can remove the wheel chocks. Now restart the engine and you will find the blades are engaging. 

What To Do If The Kubota PTO Safety Switch Is Accidentally activated While Driving?

If the PTO safety switch on the Kubota tractor is accidentally activated as you are driving, then all you need to do is locate the switch and then turn it off. 

In lawn tractors like the Kubota, the switch is placed under the seat. So as you sit down, the pressure on the seat causes the spring to be compressed. This often activates one or several of the safety switches- including the PTO. 

So all you need to do is follow these instructions: 

1. Have someone help you with the task. Have them move the PTO engagement lever backwards and forwards and keep looking for the switch as the seat adjusts. 
2. Make sure to be careful as you approach the switch with your hand as you can get pinched. 
3. Check whether the switch is turned on or whether there is something stuck in there that’s preventing the engine from engaging. 

Are There Any Risks Associated With Not Using The Kubota PTO Safety Switch?

The PTO mechanism comes with a significant risk of danger of accidental injuries. A PTO device can go up to speeds ranging between 16 and 19 rotations per second. At such speeds, it poses a serious risk of injury. 

The risk of injury is especially high whenever there are children around. If children put their hands on the PTO while the switch is turned off, they will experience heavy injuries. 

A famous example is that of Major League Baseball player Mark Fidrych who died in an incident where he was working with a PTO setup without any safety mechanisms. 

Conclusion

In short, the PTO safety switch is one of the most important components of the Kubota tractors. It not only keeps the risk of an injury down but also helps keep power from the tractor used more efficiently by reducing wastage.

In this article, we went through, in brief, the purpose and function of the PTO safety switch on Kubota tractors and the functional mechanism that they operate on.

We hope this article offers enough information for you to learn about how to choose an appropriate PTO safety switch and how to install them so that you too can install them at your disposal.

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