Replace PTO Shaft on Ford 501 Sickle Mower

[macecase]

I purchased a Ford 501 sickle mower. I was lucky enough to find a parts one as well that somebody gave me for free. So, I have been cobbling them together to make a good, working mower. I feel like I am at that point now but when I went to attach the PTO shaft, I found that it will not telescope. It is frozen shut. Who knows if it was rusted or through abuse became "welded".

So, my thought is to completely replace it. I have looked online and found ways to undo the universal joints. I also see universal joints at tractor supply and whatnot. So, I feel like it should be able to be done but when I look at the one on the Ford 501, I cannot find any snap rings, etc.

I am curious if anybody knows how to dismantle this PTO shaft. I want to completely replace it with the exception of the part that is welded to the mower (by the pulley). So, I would like to keep just that universal joint and put a new shaft on from there.

Is this possible from a practical standpoint? Any other thoughts and suggestions?

 

[SoGeorgia]

Look for the snap ring on the under side of the cap.. You may have to do some picking with a screw driver as grease usually is packed around there

 

[SoGeorgia]

By the way, I just got a 501 as well.

 

[macecase]

Ahh, so the part that has SPICER CANADA is just a cap? pop it off to expose the snap ring?

 

[macecase]

By the way, I just got a 501 as well.

Cool. I am just getting into cutting, raking in baling hay. So, I picked up a 501 at a good deal but it has required a lot of work! I hope your experience has gone well.

 

[SoGeorgia]

Mine needs work too. I'll post pics after lunch.

 

[macecase]

Mine needs work too. I'll post pics after lunch.

Here is what mine looks like (and the donor/parts one on a trailer).

 

[SoGeorgia]

Ahh, so the part that has SPICER CANADA is just a cap? pop it off to expose the snap ring?

Sorry, I missed this post.. No.. I mean the bottom of the cap.. I'll try to find a pic for you.

 

[SoGeorgia]

Like this.. you'll have to look from the center of the u-joint.

 

[SoGeorgia]

so yeah.. your 501 looks much better than mine.. I initially got mine for mowing around my pond (even though it doesn't go much below horizontal) and it works ok for that... then I decided I wanted to cut hay with it and it didn't do so well.. a closer look revealed why... some of my blades don't even touch the stationary blades.. also, you'll notice that I don't even have the big spring that attaches to the top link.. I can't understand what the purpose of that large spring is.. it works without it.