Power take-off (PTO) shafts

Unprotected power take-off (PTO) shafts are life-threatening. They therefore need to be checked regularly to ensure they are safe to use.

Power take-off (PTO) shafts are removable components that transmit power from a self-propelled machine or a tractor to a driven machine, such as a machine used in farming operations.

Every year, serious accidents occur involving poorly guarded PTO shafts. A piece of clothing can get caught and pulled around the rotating PTO shaft and if it gets stuck, some part of the body will follow. The injuries in such accidents are severe, sometimes resulting in death.

Keep this in mind when using PTO shafts

  • Only use PTO shafts that comply with the requirements of the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions. New removable PTO shafts and shaft guards must be CE marked and meet the basic health and safety requirements in the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions (AFS 2023:4) on products - machinery.

    For older PTO shafts with shaft guards that are not CE marked, the technical requirements for the use of work equipment in Appendix 1 of the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions (AFS 2023:11) on work equipment and personal protective equipment apply.

  • The entire PTO shaft and connected universal joints must be guarded. This means that there must be shaft guards, a guard at the power take-off and a guard at the power input.

    The shaft guard must fit the PTO shaft

    The PTO shaft must have a well-fitted shaft guard covering the inner jaws in the case of simple universal joints. For “wide angle joints” the shaft guard must extend at least to the centre of the outer joints.

    The shaft guard must not be able to rotate with the PTO shaft. For example, the shaft guard may be secured with a chain. Shaft guards must not be used as steps, unless they are built for it.

    The PTO guard may be designed as a screen

    The PTO must have a guard on the driving vehicle, such as the tractor. The guard may be designed as a screen. The guard should not obstruct visibility. The driver should be able to see the tow hitch from the driver's seat.

    The power input guard must be enclosed

    On the driven machine, the input shaft must be enclosed in a protective casing fixed to the machine.

  • It must be possible to connect and lock the PTO shaft to the power take-off and the power input in a safe way.

  • It is important that the PTO shaft and shaft guard are adapted to the vehicle and implement. Never exceed the values ​​recommended by the manufacturer, such as the values ​​for maximum load and maximum rpm.

  • Keep the PTO shaft, shaft guard, and the guards at the power take-off and power input in good condition. Then they will last longer. For example, regularly lubricate the bearings in the PTO shaft.

    If the guards become damaged, you must not use the PTO shaft until the guards are repaired or replaced. It is therefore a good idea to have spare shaft guards.

    It is a good idea to have a suspension device for the PTO shaft on the machine being driven. This reduces the risk of the PTO shaft and guard being damaged when the machine is disconnected. New machines must have such a suspension device.

Some questions you should regularly ask yourself:

  • Is the shaft guard well lubricated?
  • Does the shaft guard fully enclose the entire PTO shaft and the relevant parts of the universal joints?
  • Is the power take-off protected?
  • Is the guard at the power input fully enclosing, even at the angles that occur when turning?
  • Are the bearings intact?
  • Are the guards intact?
  • Is the shaft guard secured so that it does not rotate with the shaft?
  • Is the suspension device functioning?

Last updated 2025-12-02