Best Tractor PTO Shafts & Shaft Guards for All Farm Machinery: 2023 Guide

Thanks to the three-point hitches at the back of your tractors, the backs are versatile for different tractor implements.

Still, this wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the tractor power take-off or PTO.

PTO is crucial for tractors as it transfers and transforms the engine power into the force necessary to run the three-point attachments without an external force or alternate engine.

That’s why you should choose the best PTO shafts for your farm machinery and make the best out of use!

And although power and energy are their primary benefits, tractor PTO shafts have additional advantages, too.

So, to find them, stay tuned.

Best PTO Drive Shafts for All Operating Machinery: A Complete Overview

$$$ – 50034235 PTO Shaft with Slip Clutch Driveline – 48 pounds.

Best durability and sturdiness, keeping all important parts in their correct place. Fitting various machinery and implements due to multiple functions. Nevertheless, too pricey.

$$ – PTO Guard Assembly – 2.94 pounds.

Most secure and stable attachment points for outstanding farm jobs and tasks. Easy to set up and use for multiple devices.

$$ – Complete Tractor New 3013-6023 Universal PTO Driveline – 30 pounds.

Most intelligent design, ideal for its U-joints & compatibility with different tractor attachments and other equipment. Anyhow, package issues.

$$ – VEVOR PTO Shaft – 21 pounds.

Best efficiency and effectiveness due to heavy-duty structure and advanced construction. Flexible parts for improved performance and prolonged use. But lacking a slip clutch.

$$$ – King Kutter Rotary Tiller PTO Shaft – 34 pounds.

Best shock-absorbing benefits for more robust applications and all terrains. Suitable for uneven ground and more stability. However, specific quality issues.

$$ – PTO Drive Line – 24 pounds.

Best for stress-free tasks and jobs and a heavy-duty installation. Highly valuable with outstanding quality and reliability. Yet, size connector issues.

$$ – Complete Tractor 3013-6000 Driveline – 25.7 pounds.

The most robust and reliable unit, numerous fitting machines and their implements. Easy to attach and install.

$ – Universal PTO Shield – 2.96 pounds.

Best safety benefits for more secure operations and versatile performances. Ideal for all PTO shafts and three-point attachments for a stable setup. Still, size issues.

#1. 50034235 PTO Shaft with Slip Clutch Driveline – Best quality

• Brand: Reliable Aftermarket Parts Our Name Says It All
• Price: $$$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: rotary cutters

Why should you choose this PTO shaft guard as your primary option?

Firstly, the PTO shaft guard will wow you due to its overall design and compatibility with various tractors and implements.

Thus, you will find its minimum length of 35 inches, but you can extend it and get the maximum length of 52 inches.

In addition, you can collapse the tractor PTO shaft guard and get the 45-inch size.

So, the tractor PTO shaft guard will be versatile and flexible for various applications.

Moreover, you can use the tractor PTO shaft guard for different pulling and towing implements and similar attachments to finish all jobs efficiently due to its diameter and fitting type.

However, due to its part number CS53516, you need to find compatible implements and attachments to avoid installation complications.

Yet, the PTO shaft guard will find most tractors and multiple extensions.

Finally, thanks to its wholesome content and design, the guard will keep all important parts of the PTO shaft in their place to prevent potential risks while operating and protect your working process.

Besides, you can always contact the manufacturer and customer support for additional questions and dilemmas.

#2. PTO Guard Assembly – The best performance

• Brand: Weasler Engineering, Inc.
• Price: $$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: safety and security while operating

The following PTO shaft guard will keep all important parts in their correct place, and you can use it for your tractor equipment and other farm machinery effortlessly.

Namely, the PTO shaft guard will keep your PTO shaft optimal, ready to perform, and make its performance advanced without any complications and wrong actions.

So, it will preserve the tractor PTO shaft and retain its original purpose and design.

Moreover, the tractor PTO shaft guard fits all PTO shafts between 1 and 4 of their metric size.

Thus, you can notice the shaft guard number 900-2548 and find the most convenient and compatible PTO-powered shafts, attachments, and tractor implements for all farm tasks.

As the PTO shaft guard presents the replacement guard assembly, you don’t need to spend too much money and obtain a new shaft.

Instead, you can obtain the safety guard and make your shaft work appropriately with different tractor attachments.

However, the safety shaft guard requires a bearing kit for proper use and assembly.

And, as the safety shaft guard comes in a round shape, you can attach it effortlessly to the proper PTO shaft and provide advanced performance.

#3. Complete Tractor New 3013-6023 Universal PTO Driveline – Best universal joint

• Brand: Complete Tractor
• Price: $$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: a rotary mower

Next off, we present the Complete Tractor PTO shaft.

The PTO shaft is perfect farm machinery equipment as it offers a 540 RPM PTO driveline, so you can change the speeds and make the implement operates according to your needs.

In addition, the universal PTO driveline shaft comes already assembled with Universal joints, chains, yokes, shield, and all other parts a complete PTO driveline shaft should have.

So, you don’t need to purchase its parts separately.

Also, thanks to the universal joints, you can connect the PTO shaft to most tractors and attachments, but you still need to check the matching implement number and see whether the machines will fit.

So, once you find the correct AB5111WY138R and 14006542 part numbers, you can freely choose them for your farm equipment.

Naturally, you can extend the shaft’s length and adjust it to your equipment and work needs. However, you must remember that the shear bolt is not included in the package.

Due to OEM specifications, the PTO shaft meets multiple tractor equipment, making it ideal for harvesting and planting seasons.

And the producer offers a one-year warranty period if something goes wrong.

#4. VEVOR PTO Shaft – Heavy-duty for best efficiency

• Brand: VEVOR
• Price: $$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: wide application

You will love the VEVOR heavy-duty PTO shaft since the unit provides premium-quality steel content and construction to endure and withstand higher speeds, high torque, external force, and forcible impacts.

As it features the 6-splined PTO shaft end on the tractor and the round-shaped yokes on the implement end, the PTO shaft can easily match 1.375-inch PTO-powered tractor attachments and other equipment.

In addition, the shaft shows superior power-transfer capability.

In addition, the shaft features a flexible design and length so that you can extend it from the primary 39-inch length to the 52-inch length.

And the shaft will operate with 540 rpm, 1000 rpm, 35 horsepower, 53 horsepower, and other values of different tractors and farm equipment.

Of course, the shaft has a compact structure, including a chain, plastic shield, u-joint, and yokes for protection.

It permits two speeds to transfer the engine power to the equipment and implement power and performance.

As the shaft has splined and the round ends, it can attach the bush hog or some other tractors implement quickly and effortlessly.

As a result, and due to the design, the tractor shaft is ideal for a rotary tiller, cutter, brush tiller, mower, woodchopper, various tractors, etc.

#5. King Kutter Rotary Tiller Pto Shaft – Best shock-absorbing shaft

• Brand: King Kutter
• Price: $$$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: a rotary tiller

What’s so special about the King Kutter PTO shaft?

Firstly, the tractor shaft comes with a slip clutch. Therefore, the tractor shaft will show excellent shock-absorbing benefits, and you can use it for uneven ground.

In addition, it will absorb and withstand all strikes.

Moreover, the tractor shaft meets and matches all series four metric components and tractor equipment, resulting in better performance, maximum power and strength, and best efficiency.

It also works optimally with 47 horsepower.

You can easily mount the shaft at the three-point end of your machine due to its splined end so that the shaft will provide you with a quick connect and disconnect procedure.

The slip clutch is ideal not only for its shock-absorb system but also for spline mounting and two friction discs.

So, you can easily attach the shaft to your machine and compatible implement it in seconds.

Still, it is most commonly used with rotary tillers or other similar equipment, but only if the part number matches the three-point implement number.

Of course, same as the previous VEVOR shaft, this slip clutch shaft is flexible and versatile. Hence, you can extend its design from 34 inches to 40 inches.

#6. PTO Drive Line – Best construction

• Brand: Tool-Tuff
• Price: $$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: post hole diggers

Regarding the following tractor shaft, it is the best PTO equipment for general purpose and more robust uses.

As you will find, the shaft comes with all PTO parts, including the tractor yoke, implement yoke, U-joint, safety shield, and shafting.

Still, you will find the shear bolt and chain for more security and stability while using the shaft.

Of course, the PTO shaft is ideal for a three-point implement, as it contains around and splined end, so it will offer an effortless mounting procedure.

So, you can quickly attach the tractor equipment to your machine.

The shaft is also ideal for its flexibility and adjustability.

So, you can extend it from the compressed design of 53 inches to the maximum recommended length of 77 inches. Thus, you can moderate the shaft construction.

Due to superior design and materials, the PTO equipment will last longer, provide a longer lifespan, and maximum durability and strength for various operations.

So, you can use it for a lighter or a heavy-duty task effortlessly and stress-free.

The shaft will instantly turn the engine power into the following adequate equipment for maximum multifunctionality.

#7. Complete Tractor 3013-6000 Driveline – Best strength and reliability

• Brand: Complete Tractor
• Price: $$
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: universal use

The following PTO equipment is an ideal PTO system for your PTO tractors, as it includes all parts and comes already assembled.

Thus, you don’t need assembly, and it will save your time and energy.

So, you need to see the chain, shield, tractor yoke, implement yoke, shear pin, U-joint, and all other necessary parts, required for optimal performance and good work conditions.

In addition, the PTO equipment has a splined end to attach the three-point attachments effortlessly, so you don’t have to struggle at all.

Moreover, you can extend its design and adjust it to your working needs. Finally, you can regulate the shaft and find the best system that suits your equipment.

However, the shaft requires an electric power source type for optimal PTO performance and maximum strength.

So, it won’t work with hydraulics or a mechanical power source.

You must find compatible tractors with a suitable power source to use PTO fully. But, it’s not that challenging to do so.

But, first, you can examine the OEM specifications and find the regular PTO tractors and equipment.

Finally, the shaft comes with a one-year warranty for the planting and harvesting season.

#8. Universal PTO Shield – Best safety features

• Brand: S&H Parts
• Price: $
• Vehicle fit: tractor
• Best for: versatility

Finally, the final product has the simple task of keeping the PTO shaft in optimal condition and all parts in their correct position.

So, the PTO shield does a great job of allowing the system to pull it back and facilitate the safest engagement of the complete shaft.

Moreover, the PTO shaft guard offers an advanced overall yoke, U-joints, and shear maintenance.

However, the shaft guard is extendable and allows the shaft to change its design from 40 inches to 64 inches quickly.

Due to its dimensions and overall design and content, the PTO shaft guard is also ideal for all BARE-Co PTO shafts, up to & including the famous four series, specific for their triangle-shaped tubes.

The PTO shaft guard has a unique plastic frame, thanks to the included bearings. Therefore, it will fit numerous sizes and shapes of different drivelines.

In addition, due to its round endings, the shaft guards will keep the stable and secure connection between the tractor and implements, and you can easily use the attachments whenever you need them.

Also, due to solid and reliable content, the guard will be resistant and sturdy enough for more robust use and wide applications.

Choosing the Best PTO Shafts and Shaft Guards 2023: Buyer’s Guide

To select the best PTO shafts, you need to know various factors and facts to complete your task and protect yourself and your machines.

So, how to choose the best PTO drive shafts?

Read the guide.

What is a tractor PTO?

Nowadays, tractors have a specific output shaft, known as the PTO – power take-off.

PTO shafts have the primary purpose of transforming and directing the engine power into the attachments located at the tractor’s back, without the external power source or other tools and devices.

So, the PTO shafts will fully operate as a “bridge point” between the tractor and its implementation.

What are the significant components PTO shafts have?

All PTO shafts have 5 different components, including:

• tractor yoke
• implement yoke
• shield
• U-joint
• shafting

All these parts serve to protect the wholesome shafts, ensure a stable connection between the machines and attachments, and offer better performance.

Regarding the shields, you can often find them located on the bearings, so you need to have them lubricated to reduce the friction between these parts.

Still, you can come across other parts, such as chains or shear pins, to protect your operation and keep all parts ad yokes together while in the active mode.

How do the shafts work?

As numerous farm equipment lacks power sources, the shafts operate using switches and rotate between 540 and 1,000 RPM, depending on the attachment type located at the three-point hitches.

So, once all parts are correctly engaged and connected, the shaft will direct the engine power and transmission to the attachment for wholesome operations.

Factors to consider

1. Size

When purchasing shafts, you need to consider their size.

Now, this factor is not so challenging when attempting to find the best shafts, as manufacturers have already cut them to fit replacement numbers and different machines.

2. Durability and multifunctionality

Now, this benefit is crucial when attempting to find the best shafts.

You will need reliable, solid study units for multiple machines and provide a stable connection between the machinery.

Hence, you will need a multi-purpose investment suitable for various mowers, diggers, cutters, tillers, etc.

In addition, various manufacturers produce different materials for shafts, so you need to find the most reliable and durable for your operations.

Otherwise, it will be impossible for you to complete your farm job, and you will have issues on uneven ground.

And you definitely don’t want damaged parts, although they can happen anywhere.

3. Design

Concerning this feature, it doesn’t only include durability and reliability but the heavy or lightweight construction, quality, and pressure relief.

So, for example, if you need a fertilizer spreader or a broadcaster, you don’t have to spend too much money on heavy-duty units – you can go with lighter products to finish your job.

Still, if you live, for example, in an area with uneven ground, full of red clay and thorny ground, you will need to consider those units made for wear and tear, maybe a bit expensive, but of the best quality construction.

So, the easy harm to the parts cannot happen so soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all tractor PTO shafts the same?

No, they are not.

They come in various shapes and sizes, and they match the amount of horsepower your tractors have.

So, they can either work with 540 RPM or 1000 RPM – type 1 and type 3 shafts.

What are the different series of PTO shafts?

To determine your series, you must take two measures of the bearing kit and cross on the tractor-end of the PTO driveline.

So, you need to measure the shaft, the universal joint and put it all together.

And nowadays, you can find three series of shafts: North American, German, and Italian, with different square, rectangle, or round shafts.

Can a 540 PTO run a 1000 PTO implement?

No, it cannot. You will tear it up since you will have to turn the implement twice as fast. Another reason is the spline.

Namely, the 540 PTO has a different spline than the 1000 PTO model. So, it would be another issue when connecting all the parts together.

So, it would be best to obtain a dual PTO tractor.

So, what is the best PTO shaft?

The fantastic 50034235 PTO Shaft with Slip Clutch Driveline is the best PTO shaft for your needs!

It will come practical, durable, and sturdy for broad applications and various performances and operations.

In addition, it will keep the connection stable and secure while working, and you can use it to ensure the security of the attachment.

Finally, the shaft guard is the ideal protection for your shafts, as it keeps all parts together without any complications.

And, although it might be a bit pricey, it’s meant for wear and tear, so it’s worth every penny.

Final words

So, what is your best investment? Have you found the best shaft yet?

As you have seen, different manufacturers provide different products but stick to the guide to find the best one.

Check all requirements and numbers before the final decision, and look for units that will work well with your machines.

Inform me back once you find the best solution.