2305 PTO selector shaft - CHOPPED!

[C-Range]

Hey all, in the last two years, my PTO selector shaft has been a point of contention with my 2305. In anything but the rear-most position (rear PTO only), the dang thing grabs my clothing and/or gouges my leg as I dismount the tractor.

I finally had had enough after doing bag after bag of leaves recently. I nixed 2-1/2" of the shaft away leaving a nice short handle that no longer tries to stab at me when leaving the seat.

I just sawed out a straight section and rewelded the vital threaded piece back on, cleaned it up, painted it and was back in business.

Anyone know why JD made this lever so long? Anyway, I hope this helps someone else with a purple spot on their leg or a tear in their favorite work pants.

 

[radioman]

very nice mod.:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

I have pretty much quit using our 2305, but got to the point where I shifted it to the rear, no pun intended before dismounting.

 

[bigtiller]

I have been tempted to do that for a long time. It can really grab you if you are wearing shorts.

Mine broke off this spring so I fixed that problem and decided to leave it off for the summer. I had to shift it a few times but I just reached down through the seat pan with my hand and shifted.

 

[etcallhome]

No clue why it was so darn long !!! but last summer after ripping 2 different pair of shorts ,did same as you ..a lot nicer.

 

[camillit]

Sorry, being middle-aged and Italian I get dramatic and emotional....but after 3 years of grass cutting and snow blowing this blasted imbecilic thing.... when not neutering me would try to outright castrate me! I'm OK now, another Paxil will be just right!

 

[C-Range]

Wow, I guess I struck a nerve or two. All I can say is DO IT. Don't wait. It's great. I don't even think about getting on and off anymore. I just hop right in and slide right out. I can't believe JD made that lever as long as they did. It's not like there is any mechanical resistance needing leverage.

I'm apprehensive to mention this, but one of your most esteemed cohorts has suggested that I offer an exchange service for those who can't make this change themselves. I would ship you a shortened one and you would mail back your old one, sort of like Netflix I guess. Removal and installation requires only a 13mm socket, a 3" extension, and a ratchet. Not that I need anything else to occupy my time, but is this interesting to anyone? I estimate the change would end up costing folks around $30 when all is said and done. There would have to be a deposit which would be refunded when the old shifter is received. I must be nuts to even be entertaining this!

 

[kennyd]

I'm apprehensive to mention this, but one of your most esteemed cohorts has suggested that I offer an exchange service for those who can't make this change themselves. I would ship you a shortened one and you would mail back your old one, sort of like Netflix I guess. Removal and installation requires only a 13mm socket, a 3" extension, and a ratchet. Not that I need anything else to occupy my time, but is this interesting to anyone? I estimate the change would end up costing folks around $30 when all is said and done. There would have to be a deposit which would be refunded when the old shifter is received. I must be nuts to even be entertaining this!

I will fess-up...it was me who suggested it:laughing: I still think it's a great idea:thumbsup:

 

[C-Range]

See what I meant when I said "one of your most esteemed cohorts"?

 

[fdmars]

After reading this thread and agreeing about that lever grabbing one's clothes or body parts I found a guy with a small but very complete machine shop in his garage to cut off about 2 inches and rethread. Cost about 25.00
Looking forward to getting part back and reinstalling.

 

[bigtiller]

I finally got around to doing mine. Except I cut it off just below the first bend.

Who was it on saturday night live that said -- I love it, I love it, I love it!

Wish I would have done it 4 years ago.

 

[C-Range]

After reading this thread and agreeing about that lever grabbing one's clothes or body parts I found a guy with a small but very complete machine shop in his garage to cut off about 2 inches and rethread. Cost about 25.00
Looking forward to getting part back and reinstalling.

That's great guys! It's a liberating moment, eh? :thumbsup:

FD, did you mean to say that your machinist cut the length back, turned the shaft down, and rethreaded a new post on for the knob or was it actually like I did; cut/welded the threaded portion back on? If the former, I'd sure like to know how that was accomplished (for $25)!

 

[fdmars]

yes he is cutting the shaft and rethreading for the knob. That is what he quoted over the phone and when I dropped off the lever the price did not change. I think 2 things helped, 1. a cash deal and 2. he works out of his garage.I would agree I am getting a good deal for this job. I will post pics when done, should get it tomorrow night.

 

[kennyd]

yes he is cutting the shaft and rethreading for the knob. That is what he quoted over the phone and when I dropped off the lever the price did not change. I think 2 things helped, 1. a cash deal and 2. he works out of his garage.I would agree I am getting a good deal for this job. I will post pics when done, should get it tomorrow night.

I am curious how he chucked that bent shaft in the lathe:shocked:

 

[C-Range]

Easy - he chucks the end of the shaft and orbits the lathe around it, ha ha. Na, that's exactly what I was wondering. I'm guessing it'll be cut n welded once he sees it, especially for $25. Hey, maybe the fellow has nothing else to do and likes a good challenge.

Let's see, a CNC mill and a threading cutter might do the job but chances are he'd end up without thread all the way to the bottom of the stub causing the knob to not run all the way down. But if he has the right threading die, he could chase it down. Other than that, I don't know how someone could take any other approach than cutting & welding.

Looking forward to the pics!

 

[fdmars]

Ok the results are in. He ended up cutting the shaft and drilling it out. Then he tapped it put in a lenght of threaded rod w locktight and then screwed the knob back on. Looks like factory. Cost was $25.00 pics to be posted. Fred

 

[kennyd]

Ok the results are in. He ended up cutting the shaft and drilling it out. Then he tapped it put in a lenght of threaded rod w locktight and then screwed the knob back on. Looks like factory. Cost was $25.00 pics to be posted. Fred

Thanks fred:thumbsup:

 

[fdmars]

Pic as promised