Mechanical PTO?
 

I have heard different things, but is it better to run the PTO or not when there is nothing attached to it.

When there is no belt on the PTO, I engage it.

Often times the pto will turn when there is no resistance on it, there are others that don't turn when there is no belt on it. In my opinion if it turns, it's wearing the buttons, if it doesn't turn then it is needlessly "using" the bearing.

I also engage the PTO's when the tractors are not being used, I don't think the springs need the added pressure of being disengaged if the tractor is just setting, especially for long periods of time.

Right, wrong or otherwise, just my opinion...

When theres nothing attatched to it I run it engaged, that way it dosn't spin and tear up the pto button

I also recommend the PTO be in the "engaged" position with no attachments on it. IE for winter snow blade work mine on my 147 is always in the engaged position.

OK sounds good to me, thanks everyone.:beerchug:

I engage the PTO but I never remember that I did,and try to start and the safety switch keeps it from doing so and I think "What's wrong with this thing now?"

And that's why mine doesn't have safety switches.