Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

ronjhall · Oct 20, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

 I guess it was easier and cheaper for Kubota to NOT place decals on the keyed parts to assist in re-connecting 
.

MY Kubota and John Deere have the same arrangement for the MMM PTO shaft. It is done this way to get the universal joints at 90 degrees to each other. This allow the maximum offset between the input and output ends of PTO shaft.
I like your idea of using paint to mark proper alignment of the 2 halves. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Tom_H · Oct 21, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

On my BX2200, I do about the same as SeymourBota. I always connect and disconnect on the smooth concrete garage floor. I leave the BX in neutral so that I can easily roll it forward or backwards. Being able to roll the tractor and the deck on concrete makes alignment easy. Once aligned, I use one hand to pull back the collar and to rotate the entire receiver if need be. The first few times were hard but now it's pretty easy. The harder I try to force things, the more resistance there seems to be. The secret seems to be finesse, not brute strength. Think of it this way: treat her like a lady. Trying to ram that thing on in the beginning may not work. If not, try more gentle and slow realignment until the collar wants to accept the shaft. Let the tension in your body and mind relax. Stay calm. Be sensitive to any resistance you feel while pushing forward and slowly and gently change the angle if needed. Try a very soft rocking from side to side with the slightest rotation back and forth, all while trying to push forward with the slightest of force. Suddenly it slips right in and locks!! Once completely coupled and all other connections tightened down, you can start your engine and apply all the power desired.

Now, I had no intention of this story becoming an allegory. If someone finds hidden meaning here, it is only a coincidence. This method truly works with my BX. I swear, it's true! Of course, applying a similar philosophy to other areas of life has its definite benefits as well! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Junkman · Oct 21, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

A little lube also helps.......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sandyc · Oct 21, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

Let me know when the DVD is issued!!!!

cdaledave89 · Oct 21, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful little hints. I'm kind of glad to see that I'm not the only one that has this problem but at the same time I'm not happy that it sometimes IS a problem. I tried some of those suggestions last week while I was having all of that trouble - I can tell you that laying on my back underneath the tractor, sliding the shaft on slightly before pulling the collar back, swearing repeatedly, and yelling at the top of my lungs did NOT work. However, I'm thinking about trying the "sweet talk" next time. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

-Dave

DaveInColorado · Oct 24, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

After cussing at this thing for most of a summer with deck on/off at least once per week, I now back the Kubota on two auto ramps (after the deck is attached) so I can wiggle under the rear axle and get at that shaft collar with a deadblow hammer. A couple of taps is all it takes!

I usually have no trouble getting the deck itself attached. I put the shaft together before I slide it under the tractor so finding the index is not a problem. Put PTO in rear-only position so the front PTO is freewheeling and it isn't so hard as it used to be.

628pm · Nov 6, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

I haven't made many posts, but have always read the helpful information. I've had the same problems with connecting the deck as everyone else. What I did solved the problem for me. Just remove the collar from the deck (1 bolt I think, haven't looked at the deck in awhile), place on the tractor, then connect the collar back to the mower. Works great for me.

pro_tel · Nov 6, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

I hope your realize the collar on the mower drive shaft will catch when you push it toward the mower and hold until the shaft is aligned and slips onto the PTO shaft. The installation process hasn’t caused me any concern and removal is complete in less than 2.5 minutes. Getting the collar to catch is the secret then push it rearward once the shaft is aligned. Tug forward on the shaft after it is connected to be certain it is locked in place. Best of luck.

jlbota · Nov 6, 2004

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

Man you guys are hard on your shafts...all this pulling back the collar, twisting, hammering and yanking........ /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

dholly · Apr 26, 2005

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

( Put PTO in rear-only position so the front PTO is freewheeling and it isn't so hard as it used to be. )

I am officially inducting myself into the #@*!%$# club. And, with mowing season starting again, I'll bet I'm not alone either. This easily qualifies as the worst possible experience I have had with my new B7610. Reinstalling the RCK60 deck is a snap, but that PTO collar is a royal PITA unless you have orangatan arms! After 30 mins. I finally thought I had it right, only to spin it off while mowing 10 mins later... ergh! Will try Dave's tip above and ramps in conjunction tonight. I WILL prevail, although if this is any indication, I doubt I'll be dropping the deck as often as I originally intended.

SeymourBota · Apr 26, 2005

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

Attach the shaft before attaching the mower mounts. It's alot easier without all that extra metal in the way!!!

Mahlon · Apr 26, 2005

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

( A little lube also helps.......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Well, for once I had a dickens of a time reconnecting my shaft the other day. Turns out that the balls had stuck in the splined part of the shaft. Hard.

Lube, lube lube...

Tdog · Apr 27, 2005

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

Thanks for reviving this thread, Dholly. I read it after I spent most of yesterday afternoon re-attaching my 60" MMM to the BX-22. Easily the worst experience of owning this machine. Maybe if I were more limber, had longer arms, was stronger, maybe 15 years younger, and did not have arthritis in my hands it would be an easy job. But not yet. This is my 1st time to install the MMM. It came attached when it was delivered in April '03, and stayed on till last November.
I remember that my 1st few times attaching & removing the FEL & BH were challenging, but those jobs have become super easy after a few times. Sure hope the MMM gets easier too.

BX23Seattle · Apr 28, 2005

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60\" MMM

I re-attached my 60" deck last night and opted for the method mentioned above where you slide the mower under the tractor and connect the driveshaft before hooking up the mower lift arm/mounts. Used my left arm to connect it and my right hand to pull on the mower belt until everything lined up. Only took me a couple minutes and I was good to go. Maybe I was lucky and it will take 3 hrs next time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

chilibit · Sep 3, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

When reattaching, lift the TPH up. Then roll the mower into place and then do the PTO shaft. The locking ring will stay slid back into the open position so you don't have to hold it in the open position. Set the PTO selector to the rear drive only position and you can spin the PTO drive shaft with your fingernail. It is very light. Five second tops to attach it this way.

Tom_H · Sep 3, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

chilibit,

The last post to this thread, prior to yours, was on 4-28-05.

It is not realistic to think the people who were communicating in this thread back then are still checking to see if anyone has more to say on the topic.

Sometimes it may be reasonable to dig up an old thread if new information has come to light. This issue of MMM PTO couplings has been discussed to an extreme in numerous threads. Your post would be moe meaningful if made in a discussion currently going on regarding the topic.

chilibit · Sep 3, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

You are of course correct.

Ciao

rosey · Sep 3, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

Tom_H said:
chilibit,

The last post to this thread, prior to yours, was on 4-28-05.

It is not realistic to think the people who were communicating in this thread back then are still checking to see if anyone has more to say on the topic.

Sometimes it may be reasonable to dig up an old thread if new information has come to light. This issue of MMM PTO couplings has been discussed to an extreme in numerous threads. Your post would be moe meaningful if made in a discussion currently going on regarding the topic.

Geeese..........lighten up!!!!!!!!!

BX23RIDER · Sep 4, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

chilibit said:
When reattaching, lift the TPH up. Then roll the mower into place and then do the PTO shaft. The locking ring will stay slid back into the open position so you don't have to hold it in the open position. Set the PTO selector to the rear drive only position and you can spin the PTO drive shaft with your fingernail. It is very light. Five second tops to attach it this way.

Chilibit.You sead it,just pull collar back to lock open & slide on till collar snaps ahead & locks onto PTO.Pull on shaft to make sure it is locked.If your collar will not lock back spray with WD 40 & work it ahead & back till it does lock.Hope this helps. Rich

TGD · Sep 4, 2006

Re: Attaching deck driveshaft for 60" MMM

I know this is an old thread, but since it seems to be revived...

"Originally Posted by chilibit
When reattaching, lift the TPH up. Then roll the mower into place and then do the PTO shaft. The locking ring will stay slid back into the open position so you don't have to hold it in the open position. Set the PTO selector to the rear drive only position and you can spin the PTO drive shaft with your fingernail. It is very light. Five second tops to attach it this way."

This is the way I do the hookup also. Only difference is I haven't been placing the PTO selector in rear only. Actually never thought of it. One point I want to reinforce is to make sure you pull firmly on the PTO shaft (actually try to jerk it back off) after attachment. I find that sometimes when the collar snaps forward and you think that it is locked in place it isn't. I also put a little grease on the PTO shaft for good measure.