Are manual PTO clutches "unsafe"?
 

I was watching a video of a guy repowering an narrow frame cub (he wasn't sure of model since the engine was missing and serial number plate also gone). He was reusing the front pulley to power his alternator since the predator engine didn't produce enough amps for lights etc. But he said he was going to put an electric PTO clutch because it's "safer" than the manual one? Something about the manual one's default state is "always on" and if something fails, it won't disengage? Is there any merit to this, and if so is there an electric PTO conversion kit for the old cubs?

Can you post a link to the video?

based on this logic a manual transmission is unsafe since a transmission clutch "default" position is engaged as well.
they probably should replace the brakes with air brakes- they fail in the "Safe" (engaged) position

That's so much work to reinvent the wheel there.
An electric pto switch could lock up in the on position and it would be stuck on. If the mechanical pto fails, turn off the tractor, pull off the belt to whatever attachment you are using, and then go into your garage or shed and troubleshoot.
Your ignition switch is the final safety mechanism on the tractor.

Assuming he retains the basket pulley to drive the alternator,
it will be interesting to see what he concocts to hold the stationary
portion of the electric PTO in place.
But even if he decided to retain a manual PTO,
it doesn't look like there is room for the linkage rod to get through there.

I watched the other vid installing the Predator engine, It would have been a good idea to put a pulley on the hub they made to drive the alternator off that end, then you can put a electric or mechanical PTO on.

Video guy has a point up to a certain degree. With electric PTO, it seems to be easier to have more safety built in such as seat switches and other stuff as long as the safeties aren't compromised. However, what happens now if PTO bearing seizes up???