Understanding and Operating 3 Point PTO Vacuums for Yard Clean Up

Understanding 3 Point PTO Vacuums

A 3 point PTO (power take-off) vacuum is an incredibly useful piece of equipment for cleaning up leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris. As the name suggests, it connects to the 3 point hitch on tractors and uses the power from the tractor PTO to operate a powerful vacuuming system. This allows you to cover large areas quickly and efficiently.

How 3 Point PTO Vacuums Work

A 3 point PTO vacuum connects directly to the tractor's hydraulic system via the 3 point hitch. This powers a belt or gear drive system which spins a fan inside the vacuum unit. The fast spinning fan creates a powerful suction effect which pulls leaves, grass, sticks and just about anything else on the ground into the vacuum's holding tank.

An adjustable nozzle mounted under the vacuum allows you to control the size of the intake area. Narrow the nozzle to concentrate suction power for heavy debris, or open it up wide to cover more ground quickly in lighter debris conditions. A rotating brush roll in front of the nozzle helps sweep and loosen debris right into the suction zone.

Key Benefits of 3 Point PTO Vacuums

Some of the best features of 3 point PTO yard vacuums include:

• Powerful suction to pick up wet or dry debris
• Large capacity collection tanks to cover big areas efficiently
• Ability to shred and mulch debris as it vacuums
• An adjustable nozzle for customizing suction area
• A rotating brush roll to help feed debris into the vacuum
• Durable construction from steel and high strength polymers
• Ability to cover very large yard areas quickly

Using 3 Point Vacuums for Fall Leaf Clean Up

One of the most popular uses for a 3 point PTO vacuum is fall leaf clean up. Tractors provide the perfect power source for towing these heavy duty units over large properties. The powerful vacuum action easily sucks up huge volumes of fallen leaves into the large capacity collection tank.

Models equipped with shredding options provide the added benefit of mulching the leaves right inside the tank. This leaves you with a useful mulch material you can use around plants or compost piles. Non-shredding models collect whole leaves for burning or offsite disposal.

An adjustable nozzle lets you control the vacuum's swath to the width of your mower deck or larger. This allows you to make quick cleaning passes across wide sections of lawn. A rotating brush roll helps direct even heavy damp leaves right into the suction flow. When finished, easily dump debris using the tank's hydraulic tipping system.

Key Features to Look for in 3 Point Vacuums

There are a few important features savvy shoppers keep an eye out for when choosing a 3 point PTO vacuum:

Durable Construction

Look for vacuums made from thick steel plate and reinforced polymer composites. This ensures they can stand up to rugged mowing equipment use and last for years of leaf and debris collection.

Large Tank Capacity

Seek out models offering substantial tank volumes of 10+ cubic feet or more. Large tanks allow you to collect debris across expansive yard areas without needing to stop and dump frequently.

Powerful PTO Drive

Make sure the unit provides adequate suction power from a rugged PTO driveshaft. This ensures excellent debris lift even in damp or matted grass and leaf conditions.

Tow Behind Flexibility

Select models with sturdy pull behind frames that enable towing by any tractor or riding mower. Quick connect attachments then allow you to easily switch the vacuum between different units.

Shredding Capability

If you want the vacuum to shred and mulch debris, check specifications to ensure the vacuum provides this function. Shredding helps compact debris in the tank and leaves beneficial mulch behind.

Brush Roll Feed System

Units equipped with a brush roll help actively pull debris into the suction channel. This improves pickup and efficiency across lawn areas or leaf piles.

Adjusable Nozzle

Look for an adjustable nozzle that expands or contracts suction area to match wider or narrower passes. An adjustable nozzle helps optimize function and efficiency.

Safety Tips for Operating 3 Point Vacuums

Follow these basic safety precautions when using a 3 point PTO vacuum:

• Ensure all guards and shields are in place before engaging PTO
• Keep hands and loose clothing away from intake nozzle when operating
• Shut off all systems when unclogging blockages or debris jams
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for safe tank dumping procedures
• Drive slow and use care when towing vacuum across uneven terrain
• Always lower vacuum to the ground and set brakes when parking tractor

Using common sense goes a long way towards safe operation. Pay attention to what you are doing and how the equipment responds at all times. Take breaks as needed when doing extensive debris collection work across large properties.

Top 3 Point PTO Vacuums to Consider

Some of the leading 3 point vacuum models on the market worth considering include:

Billy Goat LE650SPH

The LE650SPH from Billy Goat features a rugged 10 cubic foot hopper tank perfect for collecting large volumes of leaves, grass and debris. It delivers powerful suction from its 655cc Briggs Vanguard engine. An adjustable nozzle lets you set intake from 42 to 52 inches wide.

Agri-Fab Mow N Vac

Agri-Fab makes the rugged Mow N Vac tow behind model perfect for yard tractor and ZTR mower owners. Its 5.5 cubic foot hopper provides ample volume. The adjustable intake ranges from 26 to 32 inches wide. Shredding blades provide mulch while vacuuming.

John Deere Pro Gator Vacuum

John Deere's Pro Gator tow behind vacuum integrates perfectly with Gator utility vehicles. Its 350cc engine and 52 inch adjustable nozzle provide excellent suction. An 8 cubic foot hopper lets you collect substantial debris loads.

All three models represent well designed, high performance vacuums perfect for keeping large properties looking immaculate all year long.

Maintaining Peak Performance

Like any power equipment, following sound maintenance practices ensures your 3 point PTO vacuum performs reliably for years. Be sure to:

• Check engine oil and transmission fluid levels before each use
• Grease fittings on PTO shaft and brush roll as specified
• Inspect hoses and hydraulic fittings for wear
• Clear any debris wrapped around brush rolls
• Check tank screens and dump debris buildup regularly
• Replace worn parts like filters and spark plugs

Well maintained 3 point vacuums provide powerfully effective debris cleaning year after year.

FAQs

How do you empty the collection tank on a 3 point vacuum?

Most 3 point PTO vacuums feature a hydraulic lift system that allows you to easily dump debris from the tank. Typically you manually engage a release lever to lift and tilt the tank using the hydraulic cylinder. This empties debris out the back through a screened chute protected by a sealed door.

What maintenance do 3 point vacuums require?

Check engine oil and fluid levels before each use. Grease fittings per the manual guidelines. Clear wrapped debris from brush rolls. Dump tank debris regularly to prevent clogging. Replace filters, spark plugs and worn parts as specified in the owner's manual.

How long does it take to clean leaves from a 3 acre yard?

With an efficient PTO vacuum equipped with around a 10 cubic foot collection hopper, you can typically clean leaves from a 3 acre yard in 2-3 hours. The actual time depends on debris volumes, ground moisture levels, elevation changes and operator experience.

Should you mulch or bag leaves when vacuuming?

Mulching leaves inside the vacuum tank is preferable if you want to dispose of leaves onsite. This leaves useful mulch for garden beds. If prohibited from onsite disposal or needing to remove large volumes of leaves, set the vacuum to discharge intact leaves for offsite disposal instead.