Attaching pto implements

[eco88]

Is there a trick to attaching pto implements to the pto? Sliding the collar onto the shaft?
I always find it a PIA to connect the 2. Various implements. The collar almost never lines up with the shaft. Then I have to play with the switch for several minutes, turn it on and off, until the shift rotates just right to slide the collar on.
I'm can't turn the implement collar generally, or turn the implement gear box.. too heavy/difficult. Then I'm stuck playing with the pto switch.
Is there an easier method I'm not seeing? Would be nice if one could put the pto in "neutral" so I can turn the shaft by hand.

I use the finishing mower, stump grinder, chipper, tiller etc.

kioti tractor.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

That sounds like a PIA. I only hook up a brush hog, easy enough to turn pto driveshaft by hand.

 

[JohnP3616]

I keep the shaft and collar well oiled. Turn the shaft with my hand until they line up, pull the collar back and slide the shaft forward. Boom, Bob’s your uncle. Oil is my friend and my very bestest friend is Lucas gun oil.

 

[oldnslo]

Usually you can turn the shaft by putting a bar through the u-joint and rotate it slightly that way. With some of the newer style shields that is getting harder to do.

Another possible option is will the tractor PTO shaft spin by hand if the engine is off?

 

[5030]

Every tractor I've ever seen or owned, the PTO stun will rotate at least 1/4 turn to line up the male splines to the mating female splines on the driven shaft and I keep the driven shaft collar lubed with oil so it slides back easily.

When not in use I keep the PTO stub covered with a slide on cover that I apply grease inside so the splines stay lubricated. I've never had to rotate any of my implement shafts to align the PTO stub as the free rotation always allows for alignment.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

What seems to work for me. I put the attachment on and then last thing is the PTO shaft. If it isn't lined up, I lift it and that usually allows me to slightly turn the pto shaft and get alignment.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use only a dry graphite lube. Oils or grease collects dust & dirt which hardens after heat and time, making it more difficult to remount.
I've heard that another solution that works is to buy a tractor for each implement, then you don't have to change or remove them !

 

[wawajake]

Don't most tractors have a lever to take rear pto out of service ( eg change from rear pto to mid pto) my Kubota I just put lever out of rear pto position and then I can spin it by hand to line up with driveshaft spline and click in driveshaft, then board the tractor and put lever into rear pto position....away we go, until I realized this implements like rototiller or brushhog were a bear !

 

[Jstpssng]

As others have mentioned, keep your splines greased. I use 00 grease which has worked well over the years. I also apply some to the shaft itself, so that it expands and compresses easily. On my Kubota the PTO stub rotates freely when disengaged, making it easier to line up the splines.

 

[Willman]

I can put my pto in the neutral position, I turn the shaft easily by hand to line up
I have more trouble pushing the detent pin in against the spring pressure on the shaft collar

 

[chim]

First of all I NEVER get around the PTO shaft with the engine running.

Generally, the last thing I connect is the PTO. Everything is lubed. I pull the PTO shaft so it extends to the PTO output on the tractor. Then press the shaft against the tractor's output and turn it a bit till the PTO shaft starts onto it. Then twist the collar / or push the button and slide the PTO shaft home. Tug and make sure the detent clicks in and go mow.

 

[Willman]

Yes, always have the tractor turned off and the brakes set

 

[5030]

I use only a dry graphite lube. Oils or grease collects dust & dirt which hardens after heat and time, making it more difficult to remount.
I've heard that another solution that works is to buy a tractor for each implement, then you don't have to change or remove them !

What I did actually. My hay tools are heavy and have numerous hydraulic hookups so I run 2 tractors instead of switching tractors, much easier,

 

[greenie]

Fluid Film in an aerosol can works well on both the stub and the coupling, pins, too.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I usually lift my implements up a bit so as to be able rotate them to line up the splines.

My JD 660 rototiller was a pain to hook up. The spring on the collar was just too strong so I took it apart and installed a lighter spring. Now it's a lot easier to push the pto shaft onto the tractor while pulling back on the collar.

I just got a stump grinder and the button for the pto is also far to stiff with a fairly small end to push against with your thumb. There's probably going to be a modification there too. Either a larger button or a lighter spring. Some thinking is required before action.

 

[Cycledude]

I really don’t like those collars my snowblower is the only attachment I own that has the collar.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

It was mentioned before on a few posts before this one. Does your tractor not free spin when the pto isn't engaged?

 

[LouNY]

I use only a dry graphite lube. Oils or grease collects dust & dirt which hardens after heat and time, making it more difficult to remount.
I've heard that another solution that works is to buy a tractor for each implement, then you don't have to change or remove them !

Two excellent ideas, especially the multiple tractors.

 

[grsthegreat]

Easiest method…. Add an overrunning clutch. Can move it by hand.

Also, this has added benefit of letting an implement like a chipper continue to spin after shutting down without involving pto system

 

[Jstpssng]

I really don’t like those collars my snowblower is the only attachment I own that has the collar.

A lot of people don't but I don't mind them. That might be in part because I keep them lubed.