SafeShaft replaces slurry PTO drives

A hydraulic motor which replaces the mechanical PTO drive on slurry tankers has been put on the market by Noel and Ger Hickey from Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.

The main selling point is safety, but improved manoeuvrability of the tractor and tanker, and clearance for the tractor’s lift arms, are other considerations.

The retro-fit SafeShaft drive system replaces the PTO with a hydraulic drive system and mounting assembly.

Mechanical power-take-off systems are notoriously dangerous, if the PTO guard is damaged or missing.

The Hickey brothers say the SafeShaft drive system can be fitted by almost anyone, providing they can tighten a bolt properly.

Noel is an agricultural technician with CaseIH dealer Killagri Ltd, and Ger has his own Engineering business.

They say the first step in installing the SafeShaft is to bolt 10mm thick base-plate between the existing vacuum pump and tanker chassis.

This provides a sturdy mounting platform for the new hydraulic drive system and its components.

The hydraulic motor provides the necessary rotational force, and has hydraulic plumbing and valve work to provide soft-start and stop functions to protect the vacuum pump and gearbox, and to protect the motor and pump from being driven in the wrong direction.

The mechanical PTO drive shaft is removed, and one half of a special drive coupling is fitted over the existing vacuum pump’s PTO splines.

The other half is fixed to the hydraulic motor.

With an oil flow requirement of just 40 litres/minute, the hydraulic motor can powered by almost any tractor. The drive elements of the system are completely enclosed in metal guarding, to protect the operator.

The SafeShaft system moves the vacuum pump and its new drive rearwards. This provides clearance for the tractor’s lift arms to swing by. The PTO shaft, its cover, or vacuum pump gearbox, cannot be damaged by lift arms.

Manoeuvrability of the tractor and tanker is better, without a PTO shaft.

Noel and Ger Hickey plan to market SafeShaft systems and retro-fit kits and other slurry tanker parts through their www.safeshaftsystems.ie website.

Higher specification SafeShaft options include electronic monitoring of vacuum pump speed, and electro- hydraulic control.