PTO Speed 540 and 1000 rpm
The two common standard rotation speeds of the power take-off shaft. 540 rpm is used on low-power and low-speed implements, while 1000 rpm is used on implements that need high power transmission. An implement must be run at the speed it was designed for; the wrong speed spoils both the work and the machine.
The same power is transmitted at a higher speed with a lower torque. That is why the 1000 rpm option allows more power to be passed through the same shaft cross section. Conversely, running a low-speed implement at 1000 takes its internal parts above their design speed.
- On the tractor, speed selection is usually made with a separate lever or by changing the shaft end.
- Verify the speed value on the implement's label before fitting.
- Some tractors have an "economy" position; the standard PTO speed is obtained while the engine speed is low.
Electronic linkage retrofit kits are not concerned with this selection and do not read the speed information. The LFT20, LFT54 and ELF-812 only make the linkage control electronic. However PTO speed selection is done on your tractor, it is done the same way after the kit is fitted.
The context where this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control