PTO hydraulics function questions

Understanding the relationship between the PTO (Power Take-Off) and hydraulic systems in tractors is crucial for efficient and effective machine operation. According to information gathered from Google search results, the PTO is a mechanical device used to transfer power from a tractor to an attached implement or separate machines, such as a pump, while hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to perform work, such as lifting or moving parts of the attachments. Let's delve into this in more detail.

Can someone please explain -- as simply and clearly as possible -- the relationship between the PTO and hydraulics systems and why "live" of either one can be important? I knew a small amount of basic information about engines (and still less, but something, about transmissions) when I started all this. But I knew (and basically still know) almost nothing about the hydraulics on a tractor. Here is what I [think I] understand so far, and the questions I have. I apologize in advance if this is simply too much and too dumb. I am studying my books, trying to figure it out, but I think I'm missing some key basics (REAL basic) that will make it all fall into place.

Fluid Systems

1. The hydraulic and transmission fluid is the same fluid, BUT apparently there is some critical difference between where they drain or how they flow (based on the comments made when I may have frozen up something in there when it was 20 below and I could not understand the distinction being made between draining the hydraulics and draining the transmission). Is there a passage in one of the manuals that explains the difference you guys were trying to explain to me then, or that shows a clear picture?

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Clutch-PTO-Hydraulic Pump Connection

2. When you put in the clutch of an 8N, the splined PTO stops turning, and because the hydraulics run off the same shaft, the hydraulic pump stops pumping. (Thanks for this info, Dell.) Is this clutch-PTO-hydraulic pump connection part of the "same fluid in both hydraulics and transmission" thing? But . . . (really stretching what I understand here), aren't the hydraulics and PTO sort of an "either/or" thing? Like, you use one of them to do some things and the other one to do other things?

Live PTO Functionality

3. Apparently, if you have a "live" PTO on a later model Ford, it still works when you put in the clutch. I guess that means the spline is turning then? And that the spline also still turns if you are in neutral gear itself but with the clutch out? So then, in either or both case, the hydraulics still work too. Right? So what is the distinction between a "live PTO" and "live hydraulics"? Does the distinction only make sense if you find an "outside" way to make one of them work? And if so, is that what the Zane Thang is about -- it operates the hydraulics off the fan belt instead of the spline, so you have hydraulics in neutral but no PTO? Or is there a distinction in ALL Ford tractors between "live PTO" and "live hydraulics"? (And if so, why?)

Why Live PTO is Essential

4. Apparently, a live PTO is great for things like running a square baler. This is something I VERY much want to be able to do. Why is it good for this? You don't shift gears while running, right? So wouldn't the clutch be out as long as you are moving along anyway? If you had to slow or stop, wouldn't you use the brakes? Or below a certain RPM, will the engine stall if you don't put in the clutch in that situation? Is that when you need live PTO and/or hydraulics? And which one, and why? (It seems to me this goes back to which is used for what purpose, but I'm not sure.)

Reading Materials

Referring me to reading materials is great. Don't feel like you have to write a lot to explain if it's pretty clear what I need to do is study up. I just can't find what I need to get a leg up on understanding these systems, and I'm at a loss. Recent forum discussions have helped me understand enough to figure out what to ask to "crack" open the problem, though. I think. I hope. --Dawn