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Penn State Extension’s Mission

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About Penn State Extension

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Penn State Extension’s Areas of Expertise

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National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)

Section 5: Connecting and Using Implements with the Tractor

DELIVERING EDUCATION YOU CAN TRUST

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NSTMOP

This material is based upon work originally supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement Nos. 2001-41521-01263 and 2010-41521-20839.

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Connecting Implements to the Tractor

Task Sheet 5.1 (Core)

Hitching and center of gravity
Three-point hitch
Implement hitching

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Connecting Implements to the Tractor – Task Sheet 5.1 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Safely connect an implement to the tractor’s drawbar, and 2) Safely connect an implement to the tractor’s three-point hitch.

Remember when we talked about tractor stability and that it is impacted by the tractor’s center of gravity (CG) and stability baseline. Tractor hitches are designed so the downward and rearward forces during a pull are below the CG.

Only hitch to the drawbar to prevent the tractor from rearing up & turning over. When hitching, only use hitch pins designed for specific drawbar loads, power ratings, & they must fit the drawbar hole. (e.g., if hole in the hitch is 2.1” wide, use 2” diameter hitch pin.) See the ASAE chart in Task Sheet 5.1 for complete drawbar sizing & positioning.

Steps for Implement Hitching: 1) Position tractor to align the hole in the drawbar with hole in implement hitch. 2) Stop engine, put tractor in park or set brake. 3) Attach implement using proper size hitch pin & security clip. 4) Raise implement jack stand & remove chock blocks. 5) Connect PTO shaft, hydraulic hoses, and/or electrical connections as required.

Another way to hitch an implement to the tractor is using the tractor’s 3-point hitch.

Details steps for hitching to a 3-pt hitch attachments are outlined in Task Sheet 5.1.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.1.

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Using Drawbar Implements

Task Sheet 5.2 (Core)

Hitching review
Hitching safety
Ground driven machinery

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Using Drawbar Implements – Task Sheet 5.2 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Safely attach implements to a tractor’s drawbar. & 2) Safely use drawbar implements during transport, field use, turns, and backing operations.

Review the steps for drawbar hitch to an implement found in Task Sheet 5.2.

Backing a tractor in reverse to connect an implement presents crushing & runover hazards. Use jack stand to support implement & chocking blocks to keep implement from rolling away.

Several ag implements are ground driven where the power comes from the wheels turning on the ground. Examples include disk, harrow, hay rake, windrow inverter, planter, and older manure spreaders.

Important safety points related to ground-driven machinery:

Know the machine’s width compared to the tractor.
Reduce width of the machine, if possible, for road transport.
Stop engine, park tractor, & set the brakes before dismounting or operating mechanisms.
Allow plenty of space at the ends of the field to turn without jackknifing.
Pay attention to field boundary fences and obstacles.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.2.

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Using Three-Point Hitch Implements

Task Sheet 5.3 (Core)

Attaching implement to tractor
Raising implement before turning, backing, or transporting
Hitch review and safety tips

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Using Three-Point Hitch Implements – Task Sheet 5.3 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Safely connect a three-point hitch implement, 2) Safely use a three-point hitch implement, and 3) Safely disconnect a three-point hitch implement.

When attaching a 3-pt implement to the tractor, attach the lower/side arms first, then raise the implement slowly to attach the upper hitch arm.

PTO is the most common power source for farm equipment. Others power sources include hydraulics and electrical.

When using an implement attached to the 3-pt. hitch, remember to raise the implement when you need to turn around at the end of a field. Lift the 3-pt. hitch implement from contact with the ground before turning, backing, or transporting.

Hitch review, steps to attach the PTO shaft, and PTO connection tips are located in Task Sheet 5.3

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.3.

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Making Power Take-Off (PTO) Connections

Task Sheet 5.4 (Core)

PTO Stub Shaft Design
Connecting the PTO
Care and Use
PTO Phasing
Ag Youth Work Guidelines

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Making PTO Connections – Task Sheet 5.4 (Core)

Learning Goal: Attach the PTO driveline between the tractor and the implements.

The 540-RPM stub shaft has 6 splines & 1 3/8” diameter. The 1,000-RPM stub shaft has 20 splines & 1 ¾” diameter. Most common speeds for a PTO are 540 and 1000 RPM. You can identify the PTO speed based on the number of splines.

A common problem encountered by youth hooking up a PTO shaft is lifting the heavy shaft & holding it at an awkward angle while squeezing or turning the locking mechanism.

The master shield protects the operator from the PTO stub shaft.

To connect the PTO: 1) Connect the tractor to the drawbar or to 3-pt. hitch of implement, & 2) Attach the PTO shaft of the implement to the PTO stub shaft of the tractor.

Dirt & grease can make the PTO shaft difficult to grasp & connect. Keep the PTO shaft off the ground. Wipe excess grease from shaft with a cloth.

Older PTO shafts can be separated or pulled apart with one part fitting into the other. The PTO must be able to telescope in and out to permit machine operation over irregular terrain. If parts separate, they must be reassembled “in phase” to avoid placing extra strain on universal joint. Some shafts are designed to prevent this from happening.

A youth should lift about 10-15% of their bodyweight. Review additional AYWG in task sheet.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.4.

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Making Power Take-Off (PTO) Connections

Using Power Take-Off (PTO) Implements

Task Sheet 5.4.1 (Core)

PTO components
Entanglement incident
PTO guards
Safety practices

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Using Power Take-Off (PTO) Implements – Task Sheet 5.4.1 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Identify the components of a PTO system, 2) Identify the hazards involved with PTO use, & 3) Develop safe habits when using a PTO.

A PTO driveline or implement input driveline (IID) is the part of the implement drive shaft that connects to the tractor. The IID shaft telescopes, meaning that one part of the shaft slides into another. The sliding sleeve on the shaft allows for easy hitching of PTO-powered machines to tractors and allows telescopic movement when the machine turns or is operated on uneven ground. Master shield protects the operator from the PTO stub and is often damage or removed and never replaced.

To prevent a PTO entanglement, make sure your tractor and machinery have the proper shields including implement input connection shield, safety chain, master shield.

PTO Safety Practices:

1. Keep all PTO components shielded/guarded.

2. Regularly test driveline guards by spinning/rotating them to ensure they are not stuck to the shaft.

3. Disengage the PTO & shut off the tractor before dismounting to do anything to machinery.

4. Walk around tractor & machinery rather than stepping over a rotating shaft.

5. Always use driveline recommended for your machine. Never switch between machines.

6. Position the tractor drawbar properly for each implement used.

7. Reduce PTO shaft abuse.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.4.1.

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Implements with Hydraulic Components

Task Sheet 5.5 (Core)

Hydraulic power
Connecting/disconnecting hydraulic hoses

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Using Implements with Hydraulic Components – Task Sheet 5.5 (Core)

Learning Goal: Safely and correctly connect hydraulic components.

The hydraulic system uses an incompressible fluid, usually oil, under pressure to transmit forces from one component to another. This is a closed system meaning the fluid is designed to be contained within the system. Outside contaminates (e.g., dirt, water, manure, etc.) can damage the system.

The female half of the hydraulic coupler is considered part of the tractor. The male half of the coupler is part of the cylinder or hydraulic device system.

Hydraulic couplers make connections quick and simple.

Use a clean cloth to remove dirt/grit from the couplers.
Remove the dust covers from the couplers,
Push the couplers together until the lock ring snaps the 2 parts securely. (Older style lock levers and manual pull locks may also be found.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.5.

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Implements with Hydraulic Components

Task Sheet 5.5 (Core)

Dangers of hydraulic hoses
Precautions when using hydraulics

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Using Implements with Hydraulic Components – Task Sheet 5.5 (Core)

Learning Goal: Safely and correctly connect hydraulic components.

To operate hydraulic systems safely and correctly, we need to understand these 3 points:

Clean Oil Needs – Hydraulic pumps and control valves operate with clearances as small as 0.0001 inch. Any type of dirt that is pushed through an opening can wear the surfaces and damage the system. You must use clean hydraulic oil. Keep the fill area and connections clean.

Heat Generated – As hydraulic fluid moves through the system, it can meet resistance that increases pressure and heat from friction. In some instances, the reinforce hoses can become hot. Metal connections, fittings, and piping can produce 3^rd degree burns. Place the back of you hand near the connection to sense for heat. If hot, allow the hydraulic system to cool down before touching the connections.

High-Pressure Oil Leaks – Pressure within the hydraulic system can exceed 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Reinforces hoses develop pinhole leaks and connections can vibrate loose. Hydraulic leaks can be extremely difficult to see. Never check for a leak with your hand because the high-pressure could inject oil droplets under your skin which is a medical emergency. Use a mirror or piece of cardboard to check for high-pressure hydraulic leaks.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.5.

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Implements with Electrical Components

Task Sheet 5.6 (Core)

Electrical components
Using electrical components

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety & Health Team

Implements with Electrical Connections – Task Sheet 5.6 (Core)

Learning Goal: Safely and correctly connect electrical components.

Ask the student to name some electrical components on tractors and equipment. Some examples include lights, sensors, monitors, warning devices. Discuss the purpose for each electrical component.

Electrical connections are protected from dust, dirt, grease, and grime with dust caps.

Steps to take when using electrical components:

Turn the powered device to “off” before connecting or disconnecting the electrical apparatus to avoid power surges.
Wipe away any moisture and dirt before making the connection.
Carefully lift the protective cover to make the connection. These caps can sometimes be broken and the electrical contacts exposed to moisture or dirt.
Slowly & carefully align the prongs or plugs of the connectors. Do not force them or you could damage them.
Grip the connector body when disconnecting the circuit. Do not pull on the wires. A threaded connector must be unscrewed first. Others require a half turn before disconnecting.
Consult the operator’s manual for any additional precautions.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 5.6.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for giving us permission to use their photos or illustrations for the sole purpose of providing educational support to the NSTMOP certificate course.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Pictorial Database
Andy Mylan, Illustrator
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Jeff Mathison, Illustrator
National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health & Safety
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Ag Safety Team

No copying or duplication of these images or illustrations is allowed.

Created February 2015 by Dennis J. Murphy, Nationwide Insurance Professor, Emeritus, and Davis E. Hill, Extension Associate, The Pennsylvania State University. Revised January 2020. Revised 2023 by Linda Fetzer, Extension Program Specialist.

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Resources

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Question Prompt

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Disclaimer for Animal-Related Content

This presentation, including its text, graphics, and images ("Content"), is for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice,�diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or other licensed certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.