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540 to 1000 PTO Drive Shaft With Slip Clutch
Agricultural PTO Shaft Australia — Pto Drive Shaft With Slip Clutch Manufacturer
When operators step up from a 540-rpm tractor to a 1000-rpm machine — or run dual-speed gearboxes — they need a PTO drive shaft that absorbs sudden torque spikes without breaking the implement gearbox. This 540-to-1000 PTO drive shaft pairs a torque-limiting slip clutch with a heavy-series tube and forged yokes, making it the standard solution for rotary tillers, heavy mowers, post-hole augers and stump grinders where rocks, roots and stalled rotors create momentary peak loads.
This PTO drive shaft with slip clutch is part of our agricultural-driveline catalogue, manufactured in an ISO-9001-certified facility in Hangzhou, China and shipped to farmers, dealers and OEMs across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Americas. As a dedicated tractor PTO shaft manufacturer with over 22 years of design, broaching, balancing and assembly experience, we treat the PTO driveline as what it really is — a high-energy power-transfer device that, when correctly engineered, runs invisibly for years; when poorly built, fails catastrophically and damages everything around it.
Compatible machinery includes rotary tillers, heavy flail mowers, stump grinders, post-hole augers, log splitters, brush hogs, plus any other PTO-driven implement that matches the dimensional, spline and torque envelope of this model. The shaft is supplied complete with a two-piece ISO 5673 plastic guard, safety chain, lubrication nipples and a calibration tag traceable back to its production batch — letting you re-order an identical replacement five years from now without guessing the spec.
Our PTO drive shaft supplier service is built around three commitments: (1) we will not ship a shaft until it has passed dynamic balance to G6.3 or better; (2) every cross & bearing kit is greased with EP-2 lithium and seal-tested before assembly; and (3) every guard system is impact-tested at –20 °C to confirm it will not shatter in a cold-morning start.
Technical Specifications — Tractor PTO Drive Shaft
The table below lists 20 verified parameters for this model. Spec sheets in CAD-compatible PDF and STEP/IGES are available on request.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Series | T1–T10 / L1–L6 / S6–S10 |
| Working Length (closed) | 660 mm / 26″ |
| Working Length (extended) | 1060 mm / 42″ |
| Cross & Bearing Type | 30.2 × 80 mm |
| Yoke Type | Split pin (SP) |
| Tractor-end Spline | 8-38×32×6 |
| Implement-end Spline | Tapered 1:8 |
| Tube Profile | Special OEM profile |
| Tube Material | 20# carbon steel, cold drawn |
| Tube Wall Thickness | 3.5 mm |
| Cross Material | 20Cr forged & hardened |
| Cross Hardness (HRC) | Core 30–40 HRC |
| Bearing Type | Needle roller bearings, sealed |
| Power Rating | 150 HP / 112 kW @ 1000 rpm |
| Torque Rating | 1450 Nm continuous |
| Max RPM | Up to 1100 rpm intermittent |
| Operating Angle (each joint) | ≤ 35° wide-angle joint |
| Safety Device | Friction clutch (FFV) |
| Shielding Type | Two-piece plastic guard with chain |
| Guard Color | Orange (RAL 2004) |
Customisation Scope — OEM & ODM PTO Shaft Service
Every dimension on this PTO drive shaft with slip clutch can be customised to your tractor-and-implement geometry. The customisation envelope is wide; the table below summarises the parameters most often modified for our Australian and OEM customers:
| Customisation Parameter | Available Range |
|---|---|
| Working length (closed) | 580 mm to 1,250 mm — cut to within ±2 mm |
| Spline pattern (each end) | 1 1/8″-6, 1 3/8″-6, 1 3/8″-21, 1 3/4″-6, 1 3/4″-20, plus metric DIN/ASAE/JIS and customer-supplied OEM |
| Yoke style | Push pin, bolt pin, double push pin, ball-collar, quick-release, snap-ring, friction-lock |
| Tube profile | Star, lemon, triangular, square, hex, splined round, OEM custom |
| Safety device | Shear-bolt clutch, friction clutch (single/double disc), ratchet, cam, free-wheel, slip-clutch |
| Guard colour | Yellow / orange / black / green / red / RAL or Pantone match |
| Surface finish | Cataphoretic (KTL), powder-coat, zinc-plate, hot-dip galvanise, phosphate + epoxy |
| Logo / branding | Silk-screen on guard, embossed on yoke (≥200 pcs), engraved end caps |
| Packaging | Anti-rust paper + carton / honeycomb double-wall / wooden case / pallet shrink-wrap / OEM box |

OEM/ODM Process
- Drawing or sample exchange — share a 2D drawing, 3D STEP file or a worn shaft you need replicated.
- Engineering review — our team confirms manufacturability and quotes within 24 hours.
- Sample production — a one-piece sample is built within 12–18 days and shipped for your approval.
- Batch production — once the sample is signed off, full-batch lead time is 18–25 working days.
MOQ: 50 pcs for high-runner models, 20 pcs for specialty wide-angle / CV models, 10 pcs for paid samples. Sample lead time: 5 days for stock items, 12–15 days for custom configurations.
Our Quality vs. Inferior PTO Shafts — Why It Matters
Most field failures of PTO drivelines come from a small set of root causes — thin tube walls, low-grade crosses, untested balance, brittle guards. The table below compares each common failure mode to how we engineer it out at our factory:
| Comparison Dimension | Inferior PTO Shaft | Our PTO Shaft | Real-World Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube wall thickness | 2.0–2.5 mm thin wall, twists under load | 3.5–7.0 mm cold-drawn seamless tube | 30–60% longer fatigue life |
| Cross & bearing material | Plain cast iron or low-grade steel | 20CrMnTi, carburised + quenched, 58–62 HRC surface | Cross-life extended 2–3× under same load |
| Needle bearing quality | Loose unbranded needles | Caged needles + double-lip seal + lifetime grease | Reduced grease-service interval, no premature failure |
| Spline machining | Hobbed only, rough edges, poor fit | CNC broached, shot-peened, induction-hardened | Zero backlash on day one; smooth coupling for life |
| Guard polymer | PVC or low-grade PE, brittle in cold, fades in 1 year | UV-stabilised HDPE, –20 °C impact-tested | Guard life beyond 5 seasons in Australian sun |
| Dynamic balance | Untested or imbalanced | Each section balanced to G6.3 (G2.5 on premium) | No vibration, no axle bearing wear |
| Yoke forging | Sand cast or low-grade forging | Drop-forged 42CrMo, normalised, shot-peened | Yoke fatigue resistance increased 40–80% |
| Safety device matching | Generic clutch installed regardless | Clutch torque calibrated to implement specification | Clutch protects rather than slips uselessly |
| Lubrication design | No grease nipples on sealed crosses | Through-bore grease nipple per cross + sealed end caps | Maintenance can be done in-field, not at the workshop |
| Painting/finish | Single-layer paint, chips off in months | KTL cataphoretic primer + 80 µm powder coat | Visible quality after 5 years in coastal humidity |
Working Principle & Application Position
The PTO drive shaft sits between the rear of the tractor and the front of the implement — specifically, between the tractor’s PTO output stub (1 3/8″ 6-spline at 540 rpm or 1 3/8″ 21-spline / 1 3/4″ 20-spline at 1000 rpm) and the input shaft of the rotary tillers or other powered attachment. Power flows in one direction: tractor engine → tractor gearbox → PTO output → shaft → implement input → working tool.
Mechanically, the shaft has three zones, each doing a specific job:
- The two universal joints at each end allow the shaft to transmit torque around an angle. As the tractor turns and the implement articulates over uneven ground, each cross-and-bearing assembly compensates for that angular misalignment — but only up to about 25° per joint for a standard joint, or 35–45° for a wide-angle CV joint.
- The telescoping tubes in the middle let the shaft change in length. When the tractor crests a rise and the implement drops behind, the female outer tube and the male inner tube slide apart; when the tractor and implement come back into alignment, the tubes slide back together. The cold-drawn star, lemon or splined profile keeps the male and female tubes locked in rotational phase even as they slide.
- The safety device (shear-bolt, friction or ratchet clutch) sits at the implement end and is the last line of defence. When implement torque exceeds the clutch’s calibrated value — for example when a rotary tiller hits a buried root — the clutch slips, shears or releases, decoupling the implement from the tractor before the gearbox can be damaged.
The two-piece plastic shielding is mechanical, not symbolic. Each plastic cone is supported by a sealed bearing collar that runs on the rotating yoke; the cone itself stays still while the shaft spins inside it. A small chain anchors the guard to a fixed point on the tractor or implement so the guard cannot rotate even if the bearing collars wear. If the chain is missing, the entire safety system fails: the guard rotates with the shaft, and any loose clothing or limb that contacts it is wrapped at the operating RPM. Always confirm the chain is hooked before engaging PTO.

Brand Compatibility, Cross-Reference & Spare Parts
Many of our Australian customers are running a mixed fleet of European and North-American implements and need a single supplier that can cross-reference replacements to whichever brand they’re servicing on the day. Our PTO catalogue maps to the major manufacturers as follows:
| Brand | Cross-Reference Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bondioli & Pavesi | Series 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 | Direct dimensional match on closed/extended length and yoke pattern |
| Walterscheid | W2100 / W2200 / W2300 / W2400 / W2500 / W2600 | Same cross-and-bearing kit dimensions; yokes interchangeable |
| Comer Industries | T-series / V-series | Tube profile and clutch torque ratings cross-referenced |
| Weasler | 1000 / 2000 / 3000 / 4000 series | Replacement-grade equivalent for North-American duty |
| Neapco | 10 / 20 / 30 series | Cross-and-bearing kit dimensionally identical |
| Binacchi | Standard catalogue | Italian-spec replacements available on request |
All brand names and model numbers mentioned are for cross-reference and identification purposes only. We are not affiliated with these manufacturers, and the use of these names does not constitute trademark infringement.
Spare-Parts Library
For dealers and workshops that prefer to repair rather than replace, every component of this shaft is sold as an individual spare:
- Cross & bearing kit — drop-in repair item, typically the highest-turnover part in the workshop.
- Yoke (tractor or implement end) — drop-forged, machined, ready to install with new cross.
- Telescoping male / female tube section — sold by length and profile.
- Safety clutch — shear-bolt, friction or ratchet, sold complete with springs and friction discs.
- Plastic shielding cone — inner and outer cones, with bearing collars, fasteners and chain.
- Push-pin / quick-release lock — common wear item, supplied as a sealed assembly.
- Grease nipples and end-cap kits — bag-of-ten replacement packs.
Compliance, Standards & Local Australian Service
This PTO drive shaft with slip clutch is engineered, tested and documented against the international and Australian standards relevant to PTO drivelines:
- ISO 5673-1 & 5673-2 — the international standard governing agricultural-machinery PTO drive shafts and their guards. Sets minimum dimensional, performance and shielding requirements.
- ASAE S331.5 / ISO 500 — defines the dimensional interface for the PTO output of agricultural tractors (1 3/8″-6, 1 3/8″-21, 1 3/4″-20 and 1 3/4″-6 splines).
- EN 12965 — European tractor-and-machinery PTO directive, including marking, documentation and operator-protection requirements.
- AS 2153 — Australian Standard for tractor safety, with specific guidance on PTO guarding and operator clearance.
- CE marking applied to every guard system; EAC marking available for Eurasian Customs Union shipments on request.
- ISO 9001:2015 quality-management certification across the manufacturing facility.
- RoHS compliance documentation supplied on request for OEM customers.
Australian WHS Compliance Notes
Australian farms are subject to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, which include specific obligations around plant guarding and operator training for PTO-driven machinery. Our PTO shafts ship with WHS-compliant guarding, multilingual safety decals and an operator-handbook PDF in English. State-level inspectorates regularly verify guard integrity during routine farm-safety audits — keep your purchase invoice and the QR-coded calibration tag with the implement to demonstrate compliance during an inspection.
We routinely supply PTO shaft Australia, agricultural PTO shaft supplier Australia, Queensland farm equipment, NSW agricultural parts, Victoria tractor parts. Lead times to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Hobart are 25–35 days door-to-door for FCL shipments and 35–45 days for LCL consolidations.
Selection Guide — How to Choose the Right PTO Shaft
Use the 10-step pre-purchase checklist below to confirm every dimension before placing an order. The wrong PTO shaft is unfortunately one of the most common return-and-replace items in the agricultural-driveline trade, and almost every wrong-fit case traces back to a missed step from this list.
| Step | Action | What to Confirm | Practitioner Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure tractor PTO stub | Identify “1 3/8″ 6-spline”, “1 3/8″ 21-spline” or “1 3/4″ 20-spline” using a spline gauge or vernier. | Mismatched splines are the most common ordering error. |
| 2 | Measure implement input shaft | Same procedure on the implement’s gearbox input — note both the spline pattern and any locking groove. | Implement-end splines often differ from the tractor end. |
| 3 | Measure closed length | With the implement at minimum operating distance, measure shoulder-to-shoulder of both yokes. | Closed length sets the minimum length your shaft must compress to. |
| 4 | Measure extended length | Lift, fold or pivot the implement to maximum geometry and re-measure. | Extended length sets the minimum overlap the telescoping tubes need to keep. |
| 5 | Determine power requirement | Use the implement’s rated kW and tractor PTO speed (540 / 1000 rpm) to calculate required series. | Sizing the series under-spec leads to fatigue failures within a season. |
| 6 | Choose safety device | Match the implement: shear-bolt for steady loads, friction for shock loads, ratchet for occasional spike loads. | The wrong clutch type either fails to protect or slips under normal load. |
| 7 | Choose yoke quick-connect | Push-pin (lighter), bolt-pin (heavy duty), ball-collar (frequent disconnect) or quick-release (hourly disconnect). | Choose for the operator’s daily routine, not the cheapest option. |
| 8 | Confirm operating angle | Walk the longest and shortest implement positions, measuring shaft angle at each joint. | Sustained operating beyond 35° per joint cuts cross life by half. |
| 9 | Decide on guard system | Standard ISO 5673 guard fits 95% of cases; high-wear environments may want a triple-cone heavy-duty guard. | Damaged guards must be replaced — they are not optional. |
| 10 | Confirm certification needs | EU customers need CE; Australian buyers cross-reference AS 2153; some markets require EAC. | Certification mismatch can stall customs clearance. |
3-Step Quick Selector — When You’re in a Hurry
- Measure — closed length from PTO stub face to implement input shoulder, with the implement at minimum operating distance.
- Match — spline pattern at both ends + yoke style (push pin / bolt pin / quick release).
- Verify — power band of the tractor (HP @ 540 or 1000 rpm) and choose the safety device that matches the implement (shear-bolt for steady loads, friction for shock).
If any one of those three is uncertain, send us photos of your tractor PTO stub and the implement input shaft, with a tape measure visible. We will respond with a recommended SKU within one business day.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Pre-installation safety checks. Engine off; key out of ignition; parking brake on; PTO disengaged at the cab lever. Confirm there is no one between the tractor and implement before beginning.
- Verify dimensions. With the implement at minimum operating distance, lay the new PTO shaft along the gap and confirm closed-length compression and spline-end matching. If the shaft is too long, do not force it — contact us for the correct length or for cut-to-fit instructions.
- Connect the tractor end first. Press the push-pin (or release the bolt-pin / quick-release collar), align the spline, push the yoke onto the PTO stub until the lock engages with an audible click. Pull back firmly to confirm the lock has seated.
- Connect the implement end. Repeat the same procedure on the implement input shaft. The two ends are not interchangeable — install the marked tractor-end yoke on the tractor, and the marked implement-end yoke on the implement.
- Anchor both guard chains. The plastic guard cones each carry a small chain. Hook each chain to a fixed point — never to the rotating shaft itself. The chain must hold the guard stationary while the shaft rotates inside it.
- Length verification. With the tractor and implement in their normal operating positions, confirm telescoping overlap is at least 1/3 of the male tube length. With the implement at maximum reach, confirm the tubes are not bottoming out (no metal-to-metal contact at minimum overlap).
- Operating-angle check. Walk the implement through its full geometry (lift, lower, fold, turn). Each universal joint should not exceed 35° at any point under load — for sustained operation, keep angles under 25° per joint.
- Initial lubrication. Apply 4–6 pumps of EP-2 lithium grease to each cross-and-bearing nipple, rotating the shaft 90° between pumps to fill all four needle bearings. Apply a thin film of grease to the male telescoping tube. Wipe excess.
- Final pre-start check. All chains hooked? Both yoke locks engaged? Guards intact? Operator clear? Only then enter the cab, start the engine and engage PTO at idle RPM for the first 10 seconds before ramping up.
PTO Troubleshooting Guide — 10 Field-Tested Fixes
Common PTO issues, their root causes, the field fix, and the prevention step that stops them coming back.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shear-bolt failing repeatedly within minutes of starting | Wrong grade or diameter of bolt installed; implement bearing seized or transmission jammed; impact load from rocks in the field | Verify the bolt is the correct grade specified on the clutch label (typically 8.8 or 10.9); inspect the implement for free rotation; clear any obstructions before re-engaging PTO. | Carry only the specified shear bolts in the toolkit and never substitute hardware-store bolts of unknown grade. |
| Friction clutch slipping under normal load | Friction discs glazed from prolonged slip, oil contamination on the friction surfaces, or springs fatigued | Loosen the spring bolts, separate the discs, lightly hand-sand the friction faces with 80-grit paper, clean with brake-cleaner and re-tension to the torque on the clutch label. | Run a 10-second slip routine at the start of every season to ‘bed-in’ the discs and verify spring tension annually. |
| Tractor rear axle vibrating at PTO speed | Shaft out of dynamic balance after repair; cross-pair installed 90° out of phase; bent tube | Send the shaft to a balancing shop; verify both yokes are aligned ‘in phase’ (the lugs of both yokes parallel); replace any bent tube. | Mark both yokes with a paint stripe before disassembly so they can be re-installed in their original phase relationship. |
| Excessive grease ejected from cross at first start | Over-greasing during last service; thermal expansion of grease in cold conditions | Wipe excess grease away; if joint runs cool, reduce next service to 3 pumps per cross. | In cold climates use a Grade 0 or 00 grease to prevent excessive ejection on cold starts. |
| Free-wheeling/over-running clutch grabbing in reverse | Pawl springs fatigued or pawl seats worn from sustained reverse-load contact | Replace the over-running clutch as a sealed unit and verify implement decelerates smoothly without back-driving. | On hay and silage rakes, idle the engine for 5 seconds before disengaging PTO so the over-runner can release naturally. |
| Cross & bearing running hot to the touch | Insufficient grease, contaminated grease, or operating angle exceeding 35° at full load | Re-grease with a fresh EP-2 lithium charge; reduce operating angle by raising or lowering the implement; replace bearings if seals appear glazed. | Stick to the lubrication interval printed on the guard label and keep operating angles within design limits. |
| Telescoping tubes seized and will not slide | Mud and grass packed inside the tube profile, or corrosion from long off-season storage | Disassemble the male/female tubes, clean with a wire brush, apply moly-disulphide or anti-seize paste, then re-grease. | Always store the shaft horizontally, support both ends, and apply a light film of grease to the male tube before storage. |
| Push-pin lock seized — shaft will not separate from PTO stub | Corrosion inside the lock body, sand ingestion, or a bent retainer ring | Apply penetrating oil, work the pin in and out, then disassemble the lock body, clean the parts, regrease and reassemble. | Cover the tractor PTO stub with a plastic cap when the implement is disconnected, and exercise the lock pin monthly. |
| Shielding rotating with the shaft instead of remaining stationary | Bearing collars on the guard worn or seized; safety chain missing or broken | Replace the bearing collars on the inner and outer cones; install or replace the safety chain hooking the guard to a fixed point. | Check the safety chain at every connection — a stationary guard is the single biggest factor in PTO-related injury prevention. |
| Plastic guard cracked or shattered along the seam | UV degradation after multiple seasons, impact damage from a rock strike, or a guard chain hooked onto the implement and rotated with the shaft | Replace the guard cone immediately; verify the safety chain is hooked to a fixed point on the tractor or implement, never to the rotating shaft. | Inspect guards daily, store the shaft out of direct sun when possible, and request a UV-stabilised guard for high-UV regions. |
Engineer Field Notes — Australian Customer Case Studies
Five real installations across Australia — different farm types, different climates, different demands on the driveline. Customer initials used to protect privacy.
Toowoomba, QLD — Sugar-Cane & Wheat Mixed Farm
Customer type: Family Farmer · Reference: J.M.
Use: Mounted on the rotary tillers for paddock-scale operation.
“We were burning through cheap shafts every season — this one’s been on the rotary for 8 months and it still feels like new.”
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5.0) · Purchased: Mar 2024 · Qty: 1 pc
Dubbo, NSW — Wheat-Belt Grain Operation
Customer type: Broadacre Cropping Company · Reference: S.K.
Use: Mounted on the rotary tillers for paddock-scale operation.
“Honestly the best PTO we’ve owned in 3 years of farming. Quiet, balanced, no vibration into the cab.”
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5.0) · Purchased: Sep 2024 · Qty: 2 pc
Bendigo, VIC — Mixed Sheep & Cropping
Customer type: Mid-Size Family Operation · Reference: P.W.
Use: Mounted on the rotary tillers for paddock-scale operation.

“Shipping was prompt to Bendigo and the install instructions were clearer than the original manufacturer’s.”
⭐ Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5.0) · Purchased: Nov 2024 · Qty: 4 pc
Mount Gambier, SA — Dairy & Forestry Contractor
Customer type: Dairy Partnership · Reference: T.D.
Use: Mounted on the rotary tillers for paddock-scale operation.
“Hooked it to a Massey Ferguson 7720 175-HP machine for the first time last week. Smooth as silk.”
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5.0) · Purchased: Feb 2025 · Qty: 6 pc
Albany, WA — Wheat-Belt & Canola Farm
Customer type: Second-Generation Farmer · Reference: M.R.
Use: Mounted on the rotary tillers for paddock-scale operation.
“Customer service stayed with us through three rounds of drawing changes. Final shaft fit on the first try.”
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5.0) · Purchased: May 2025 · Qty: 12 pc
Frequently Asked Questions
Three questions we hear most often from buyers — tap to expand.
❓ How do I choose between a shear-bolt clutch and a friction clutch?
❓ What kind of warranty and after-sales support is included?
❓ Which international standards and certifications do your PTO shafts meet?
Related Products from Our Catalogue
The PTO drive shaft is one piece of a larger driveline puzzle. We also manufacture the matching gearboxes, sprockets, chains, gears, pulleys and bearings that work with this shaft as a complete power-transmission system.
- Agricultural Gearbox — engineered to mate with this PTO shaft on rotary cutters, irrigation pumps and pickup-baler input drives.
- ⚙️ PTO Shaft Spare Parts — cross & bearing kits, replacement yokes, telescoping tubes, guard cones and friction-clutch service kits, all interchangeable with this shaft.
- Agricultural Sprockets — the matching driven-side sprockets for chain-driven implements that take their power off this shaft.
- Gears — bevel, helical and spur gears for in-line gearbox stages downstream of the PTO.
- ⛓️ Roller Chains — agricultural-grade roller chains for chain drives off this shaft.
- Pulleys — V-belt and timing pulleys for the auxiliary drives some implements take off the PTO.
- Bearings & Bushings — needle, taper, ball and bushed bearings used in the PTO ecosystem.
Why Order from Us — Manufacturing Capacity, Engineering Depth, Speed
Founded in 2003, our facility in Hangzhou now operates 22 CNC machining lines, four dedicated PTO assembly cells, two dynamic-balancing benches and a 4,000 m² warehouse. Annual capacity exceeds 280,000 PTO shafts and 60,000 agricultural gearboxes. Our products are exported to 38 countries — Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the United States, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and many others. The engineering team holds 11 utility-model patents and has supplied private-label drivelines to three top-10 European agricultural OEMs.
We do more than supply standard PTO shafts. Bring us your drawings, samples, or even a sketch on a napkin — our engineering team will turn it into a precision-built drive solution.
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