Front PTO implement auto connect system
A front PTO implement auto connect system includes a frame having a drive over surface and a pair of rear attachment members automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor rear draft linkage. The system includes a PTO coupling member mounted on the frame, and a front PTO shaft extending forwardly from the frame to a front PTO housing. A front attachment member on the front PTO housing is automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor front hanger. The front PTO implement auto connect system may be picked up with the same or similar linkages used to pick up a mid-mounted implement such as a mower deck.
1. A front power take-off (PTO) implement auto connect system, comprising:
a frame having a drive over surface and a pair of rear attachment members automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor rear draft linkage;
a PTO coupling member mounted on the frame;
a front PTO shaft extending forwardly from the frame to a front PTO housing; and
a front attachment member on the front PTO housing that is automatically and releasably engageable by a tractor front hanger.
2. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 1 further comprising a support mechanism raising the front PTO housing and front attachment member off a ground surface.
3. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 1 wherein the PTO coupling member is automatically and releasably engageable with a tractor mid PTO coupling member.
4. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 3 , wherein the front PTO shaft is on a different axis than a mid PTO shaft of a tractor.
5. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 1 wherein the tractor rear draft linkage includes a pair of rear draft links with slots for engaging the rear attachment members.
6. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 5 further comprising rear mounting plates adjacent the rear attachment members, the rear mounting plates having guide surfaces to align the rear attachment members with the slots.
7. A front power take-off (PTO) implement auto connect system, comprising:
a PTO coupling member that is releasably engageable with a mid-PTO coupling member on a tractor;
a drive-over frame supporting the PTO coupling member, the drive-over frame having a rear attachment member that is releasably engageable with a rear lift linkage of the tractor to lift the drive-over frame; and
a front PTO shaft connected to the PTO coupling member and extending forwardly from the frame toward a front attachment member that is releasably engageable with a front hanger on the tractor.
8. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 7 , further comprising a front PTO housing supporting the front attachment member.
9. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 7 wherein the front PTO shaft is on an axis that is offset from the mid-PTO coupling member.
10. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 7 , further comprising a support mechanism to hold the front PTO shaft above the frame.
11. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 7 , further comprising a biasing mechanism to urge the front PTO shaft to a position above the frame.
12. A front power take-off (PTO) implement auto connect system, comprising:
a front PTO shaft;
a PTO coupling member connected to a rear end of the front PTO shaft;
a drive-over frame supporting the PTO coupling member; and
a pivotable draft arm extending forward from the frame and supporting a front PTO housing and a forward end of the front PTO shaft.
13. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 12 wherein the drive-over frame includes at least one ramp.
14. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 12 further comprising at least one attachment member on the drive-over frame.
15. The front PTO implement auto connect system of claim 12 further comprising a belt and pulley arrangement between the PTO coupling member and the front PTO shaft.