Remove pto shaft

[Murphys Law Farmer]

Well I broke my PTO shaft on my Gehl 2170 haybine. I’m going to have to repair/replace the tractor coupler end.

But my problem is getting the old piece off my tractor! The coupler slides forward and back on the PTO shaft, but can’t get past the detant to remove it. The release is usually to pull back on the collar. That is no longer spring loaded. I couldn’t pull the collar back by hand but used an L pry bar. The collar stays back. But doesn’t seem to have pulled the rollers/balls out of the way.
So, do I just order a mini grinder and start hacking away? So much for the cut hay laying in the field. Should have followed my father’s advice—“Never start a plumbing project on a Sunday or Holiday”. But that was my weather window.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Hook a 1" ratchet strap on the collar or yoke on the tractor end and get some tension on it and then start tapping the tube with a ball-peen or similar hammer. I have one that hangs up and the ball bearings don't retract all the way around. With a little (or lot) of tension and patient tapping it always pops off. Spray lube or penetrating oil will help the process.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Well I broke my PTO shaft on my Gehl 2170 haybine. I’m going to have to repair/replace the tractor coupler end.

But my problem is getting the old piece off my tractor! The coupler slides forward and back on the PTO shaft, but can’t get past the detant to remove it. The release is usually to pull back on the collar. That is no longer spring loaded. I couldn’t pull the collar back by hand but used an L pry bar. The collar stays back. But doesn’t seem to have pulled the rollers/balls out of the way.
So, do I just order a mini grinder and start hacking away? So much for the cut hay laying in the field. Should have followed my father’s advice—“Never start a plumbing project on a Sunday or Holiday”. But that was my weather window.

Also, how did you "break the PTO shaft"? Just snapped it or bent it or what?

 

[Murphys Law Farmer]

A combination of turning too sharp, on a hill, with ruts in the field.

 

[Murphys Law Farmer]

A combination of turning too sharp, on a hill, with ruts in the field.

A combination of turning too sharp, on a hill, with ruts in the field.

A combination of turning too sharp, on a hill, with ruts in the field.

I cut the collar off the coupler. Both bearings are visible. They roll easily as I slide the coupler in/out on the tractor’s shaft. At no point do they sink in or move out farther. But I still hit a dead stop trying to remove the coupler from the shaft. Ideas?

 

[Murphys Law Farmer]

Groan. I see it now. I’ve buggered the splines on the end of the tractor’s PTO shaft. It now has a lip. Guess I’ll try grinding/filing them out.