 The implements these tractors are pulling are all being powered from the tractor through a power takeoff or PTO. A drive line transmits the power from the PTO to the implement. The space between the tractor and the implement is a danger zone, a no zone when operating. It may well be the most dangerous area on your farm. This is not an area where you can learn by doing. You must know, understand and practice safe work rules in dealing with the drive line before you attempt to operate a PTO by yourself. This is a drive line correctly shielded with guards. It has one function to transmit power efficiently from the tractor to the implement being towed or operated in place. It includes the tractor master shield, the drive line guards and the implement shield. Accident investigations revealed that virtually all drive line farm related accidents happen when drive lines are operated without shields or guards or have been poorly maintained. Don't remove or modify any of them and don't attempt to operate machinery without the shields and guards in place. Make sure the draw bar and the three point hitch are where they won't interfere with the drive line. Raise and secure the three point hitch when not in use. Hoses don't last long if they're left rubbing against the drive line. It could also damage the drive line. Don't wear loose fitting clothes such as flappy windbreakers, hooded sweatshirts or jackets with long draw strings. Make sure your shoestrings are tight, better if you'd wear boots with no strings. Leave your loose jewelry at home and if you have long hair keep it securely tucked under your cap or half. Don't step or lean over an operating drive line or use the tractor's draw bar or implement's tongue as a step when the drive line is operating. Walk around. Even if it's not operating, never use the drive line as a step. Once you're driving, pay special attention that you don't hit the drive line with the tractor tires. Another danger for the drive line is bottoming out. Don't let the drive line guards pull apart. They'll get crushed or cut when pushed back together. To give you an idea of the danger, watch what happens and how fast it happens when a piece of clothing becomes entangled with a PTO drive line. Never operate a tractor with an operating PTO until you've received hands-on instruction from an experienced operator. PTOs and drive lines are dangerous and the first mistake can be fatal. You must get one-on-one hands-on training with an experienced PTO operator. The tractor master shield, the drive line guard and the implement shield must all be in place before turning on the PTO. Make sure nothing interferes or rubs on the drive line. Never enter this danger zone if the PTO is operating and never step over the drive line. Walk around. Be careful not to hit the drive line with the tractor's tires. Don't wear loose clothing around an operating PTO.