Abstract: An electrical switch mechanism for actuating and deactuating a power take-off (PTO) drive connectable to ancillary equipment is disclosed wherein the operating member for the switch mechanism first requires a linear movement and then a rotary movement in order to complete actuation of the switch to render the PTO drive operative. In order to render the PTO drive inoperative quickly, the switch mechanism can be deactuated by striking the operating member, although the PTO drive can be rendered inoperative by reversing the movements of the operating member.

Abstract: An apparatus fitted with a power take-off (PTO) drive connectable to ancillary equipment and means for actuating and deactuating the PTO drive is disclosed wherein an interlock system includes sensor means for sensing whether the PTO drive is operative and producing an output signal representative thereof, timer means coupled to the actuating and deactuating means and initiated when said means is operated, and means responsive to the sensor output signal and coupled to timer means and operable to produce a deactuating signal if the sensor output signal is of a predetermined nature when the timer times out. The deactuating signal is applied to a selected component of the apparatus to deactuate that component.

Abstract: In a transmission system, a solenoid controlled electro-hydraulically actuated creeper gear coupler permits selection of very low speeds and provision is made to prevent creeper gear engagement/disengagement unless conrolled by the operator and then only if specified conditions exist. Current flow through the solenoid which actuates the creeper gear is monitored at all times to provide a controlled engagement/disengagement of the creeper gear in the event the monitoried conditions are not within prescribed limits. The current is monitored as the creeper solenoid is energized to insure sufficient pull-in current and while it is energized to insure sufficient hold-in current. The solenoid current is also monitored when the solenoid is not energized. Short or open circuit conditions are detected before they can cause an unexpected engagement or disengagement of the creeper gear.