Attaching pto implements

[Robert Soccio]

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.

Shut off the tractor. You then should be able to rotate the PTO shaft to line up.

 

[5030]

I have seen a farmer made metal lever that would hold the collar open, seems there was an article in Farm Show?
I could use one for my big tractor.

Never been an issue with me. I spray the slide collars with PBlaster prior to hitching up an implement, every time I hitch them up and the collar slides effortlessly.

 

[5030]

Shut off the tractor. You then should be able to rotate the PTO shaft to line up.

Every tractor I ever operated, at least modern ones, all have pto stubs that will turn at least 1/4 turn freewheel to align the splines. Both my Kubota's turn a full 1/2 turn, but in reality, 1/4 turn should be enough. They all freewheel like that today.

 

[qualsite]

Yep... with the PTO in N, it should turn by hand with no problem. Keep the PTO shaft clean and oiled. I use transmission fluid with a little lanolin in it, or SuperLube [synthetic grease with Teflon]. After I pull the implement off, I put an empty chicken feed bag over the PTO shaft to keep it clean and dry. Be careful using WD40, as it will gum up and make things worse over time. I had a case of Dexron II left in the barn I don't use anymore, so it makes a convenient lube, particularly if mixed with a small amount of lanolin as a preservative, which is much better than WD40 for long-term corrosion resistance. Have you ever seen a corroded sheep?? For the shaft itself, SuperLube grease won't harden or get gummy, and the Teflon in it will keep things moving smoothly, plus it's clear and won't make a mess or get your hands nasty Nothing worse than a firmly stuck PTO shaft that won't slide anymore when you're trying to slide it onto the PTO stub. One took me an hour to get unstuck, and then had to use a wire brush on a grinder to get the old hardened grease and rust off, and then relubed with some SuperLube, after a good spray of Moly dry lube. An extra couple minutes of taking care of them when you pull them off will save time and aggravation later.

 

[JBacon52]

,,, Found out years ago that connecting pto was easier without lift arms in way....

Now that's something I'll need to try out!
Thanks for the idea..
JB

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Be careful using WD40, as it will gum up and make things worse over time.

Amen.

But at least it's easier to deal with on a PTO shaft than in locks.

 

[howardjohn]

I keep a can of wd 40 in my tractors tool box. A little spray on both the pto and the shaft before I try and put it on the tractor helps a lot

 

[Rhorn4400]

On my pro shafts they will slide on about an inch before you have to pull then collar
Back. Also on my two Kubotas with engine off I can turn the pto shaft on the tractor to align easily with my hand

 

[WinterDeere]

I keep a can of wd 40 in my tractors tool box. A little spray on both the pto and the shaft before I try and put it on the tractor helps a lot

Same. But in my case it's a spray bottle that I fill from the gallon can, and it's kept in the shed where I park the tractor. Give the ball joints and other linkage connections on the 3-point, the PTO stub, and both ends of the driveshaft a quick spray with WD-40, after making sure everything's been washed clean and dry, before putting it away = ready for the next use.