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Article
An Investigation of Three Physical Parameters of PTO Entanglements
Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
  • Steven A. Freeman, Iowa State University
  • Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University
  • John L.P. Judge, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Abstract

The PTO driveline is the most common means of transferring power from a tractor to towed machinery and stationary equipment. While equipment manufacturers install shielding to protect operators and bystanders from coming in contact with operating PTO components (particularly around the knuckle), entanglement is still a cause of some of the most catastrophic agricultural work-related injuries. This study investigated the influence of material type, material length, and angle of material introduction on entanglements with a spinning PTO shaft knuckle. These variables were tested using a laboratory PTO apparatus where 165 entanglements were recorded during the 720 trials conducted. The results indicate that lighter materials, such as cotton thread, have a significantly higher probability of becoming entangled than heavier materials, such as leather bootlaces. Materials that were longer (i.e., extend further below the midline of the PTO knuckle) have higher probabilities of becoming entangled than do shorter materials. The horizontal path that the material traveled across the centerline of the PTO shaft impacted the probability of entanglement. When the angle of intersection of the horizontal path of travel relative to the centerline of the PTO shaft is 90°, or close to 90°, a higher probability of entanglement occurs. All 165 entanglements occurred on the downward rotational side of the PTO knuckle regardless of which side the horizontal path of travel started from. The results of this study provide the first look at understanding the physical phenomena associated with the initial stages of PTO entanglements and set the stage for future research.

Comments

This article is from Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 12, no. 3 (2006): 191–197.

Access
Open
Copyright Owner
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Steven A. Freeman, Charles V. Schwab and John L.P. Judge. "An Investigation of Three Physical Parameters of PTO Entanglements" Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health Vol. 12 Iss. 3 (2006) p. 191 - 197
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/charles_schwab/4/