Rotary Cutter Bush hog shaft

[croasdale]

I inherited an 8n and a 5' bush hog from my dad which worked fine cutting heavy field growth for decades. Recently, I got tired of constantly working on the 8n to keep it running so I bought a used JD 955. I put the old hog on the 955 and it went through the thick spring field growth in high range like butter.
Then, I hit an old hidden stump and snapped the bush hog shaft in two. Now I'm having trouble locating a replacement shaft. I was hoping to just replace the female (round) part which broke, but no one seems to have one that is the right length and that has the right size square hole for the male part of the shaft.
Any hints on where I might locate one?
Also, what do you recommend I use as a shear pin?
Thanks
Ed

 

[greg_g]

If you found some, then you were at the right place. Apparently you don't realize that they quite commonly have to be cut-to-fit. Try to slide the two halves together first though - before you cut. Otherwise you won't get a refund if you find the remaining half has been torque-twisted.

Some manufacturer specs vary, but PTO shear bolts are typically Grade 2. Get an exact fit, you don't want an undersized bolt egging out the holes. No lock washer, flat washer optional. Use a Nylok nut, and only snug it up enough to the point where there's no bolt movement.

//greg//

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I see where you're in Virginia. Look to see if there's an AGRI-SUPPLY store anywhere near. They'll have complete shafts for not a lot more than the repair parts (which they should carry also)

As mentioned, with either a repair section OR a complete shaft, you'll most likely end up cutting it to length. Not rocket science. A hacksaw does the trick.

Shear bolt OR a slip clutch.

 

[croasdale]

I've been looking some more for a replacement outer tube for my PTO shaft and am surprised at the lack of standardization. I found an outer round tube that would work except it requires a 1-1/8" square shaft. Mine's 1-1/4".
Another shop recommended I get a machine shop to cut and re-weld a new round center section to my old outer tube. Problem is, that would cost about the same as a new complete shaft I found at TSC.
But when I looked underneath the shield of the TSC unit, the angular shaped inner and outer tubes don't appear to be as heavy duty as my current round one. Anyone have any problems with the non-round tubes twisting out of shape?
Either way, it looks like I'm in for about $150.