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John
Shutske
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Do you
know someone who has been hurt by a power takeoff? Just about
every farmer does. Like many farm machines, a power takeoff,
or "PTO," can be a useful toolor a lethal one.
Used in the right way, a PTO can safely power your augers,
mowers, choppers, and other implements. Used in the wrong way,
a PTO can rip off your arm, crush your skull, or sever your
spine.
In Minnesota,
PTOs have killed more than a dozen farm people and maimed
hundreds of others in the past ten years. Don't endanger yourself
or your loved ones by underestimating the power of a PTO.
A PTO
can spin around 1,000 times per minute. That's 16 times per
second! Toss a six-foot rope over a spinning PTO. It'll wrap
around the shaft in less than a second. Now, imagine that rope
is your shoelaceor your sleeve. How fast could you pull
free? You'd need nearly a full second just to realize you'd
been caught.
Electrical
wires are insulated. Manure pits are covered. It's just common
sense to cover up something that's a farm hazard. It's also
Minnesota law that any new or used tractor sold by a dealer
must have a PTO master shield. The mastershield covers the
front U-joint and connector, a frequent site of entanglement.On
newer PTOs, a driveline shield covers and spins independently
of the driveline shaft. Other PTO shields that attach directly
to the implement are available. Most of them cost less than
$200 (and even the most expensive shield costs less than a
day in the hospital). Sometimes shields are offered free;check
with your equipment dealer.
Figure
1. Shielded for safety: Newer models of PTOs keep dangerous rotating
parts covered.
Adapted
from "Safe Operation of Agricultural Equipment" by
T.A. Silletto, D.O. Stud nt Manual, Hobar Publications, St.
Paul, 1988.
Whatever
kind of shield your power takeoff has, it will only protect
you if it's installedand left on. The first step to PTO
safety is to buy a shield and to keep it on. How many of these
other steps have you taken?
- I
almost always shut off the PTO before getting off the tractor.
If using
non-stationary or field equipment, shut off the PT and the
tractor before getting off. Remove the key. If you're using
stationary equipment, keep a safe distance from the PTO. Don't
reach over the back of the tractor to adjust the PTO or throttle.
- I
never step over a revolving shaft, even if it's shielded.
Even
a shielded shaft can catch hold of a shoelace or a flapping
pantscuff.
- I
wear tight-fitting clothes when operating farm machinery.
Many
PTO accidents happen in winter months, when farmers wear layers
of looser clothing. Tuck in your shirt, and button your sleeves.
Replace your work gloves if they're frayed.
- I've
read the safety section of my machine's operator manual.
So has
anyone else who uses the machine. The manual tells you how
to operate your particular piece of machinery. You paid a lot
for it; take the time to use it right.
- Any
kids on my farm have been taught t stay away from tractors
and machinery.
Never
let a child operate a PTO. We don't let children operate heavy
factory machines. Why do we think they're safe around farm
machinery?
Want
to know more about how to make your farm a healthier, safer
place? The University of Minnesota can help you find the information
you need.
Contact:
John
Shutske
Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist< R>Minnesota Extension
Service
(612) 625-9733
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NASD Review: 04/2002
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