drive shaft shield chain

cjw · Mar 24, 2003

I have a King Kutter finish mower & I am having trouble keeping the drive shaft shield chain from snapping when I power up the mower. Any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening, or a better way to attach the chain would be greatly appreciated. I am attaching a picture of the problem.
Thanks!

Bird · Mar 24, 2003

In your picture, there's a hole showing in the bell shaped part of the shield. Is that not to provide access to what looks a little bit like a grease zerk, but really isn't one you can snap a grease gun onto? On some, you can use a needle nosed grease gun and apply grease there. It sounds as if your shield is "sticking" to the PTO drive shaft and may need some lubrication.

And besides that, what I would do is try turning that shield by hand to make sure it turns smoothly on the PTO drive shaft before hooking up the chain. And finally, I would engage the PTO with the tractor running at very low RPM, then after it was turning, I'd throttle up to PTO speed.

Inspector507 · Mar 24, 2003

Make sure you have enough slack to compensate for the up and down movement too. I learned the hard way when I fastened it up all nice and tight. Raised the deck and .....SNAP.
And yes make sure it spins and is all greased up.

tractorhal · Mar 24, 2003

CJW, As stated the shield needs to be well lubed. Also check to see if it is cut to the proper length and isn't binding any where in it's travel. There are 3 white or milk colored tabs at each bell colar end that you push down with a 1/4" punch or rod, and push the colar back to expose the universal joint for lubing and check for binding. If the guard should need shortnig, shorten the same as the drive, by cutting the same amount off each half. ie, if you need to shorten a total of 2" cut 1" off each half. Also only engage the PTO at idle, then when rotating go to speed. Noticed you have chain on top link, if the top link isn't tightened with jam nut they will turn with useage and possibly short chain to where it will brake.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

Isn't it snapping off when you raise the implement, & the chain pulls too tight? You might want to mount the other end of that chain to something else.

I personally never understood these new chain deals. I'm used to older farm machinery with metal covers & it just spins. Not sure on the point of the chain.

--->Paul

soarkrebel · Mar 25, 2003

Well on my woods both are off. i got tired of dealing with them. heck i cut the shroud covering the pto hook up . got in my way!

19th_VA · Mar 25, 2003

Forgive the stupid question, but is the only point of the chain to prevent the cover from flying off?

Bird · Mar 25, 2003

Nope, Jonathan, the chain is to keep the cover, or shield, from turning with the PTO drive shaft.

19th_VA · Mar 25, 2003

I guess a cover isn't much good if it's spinning?

normde2001 · Mar 25, 2003

There was a long thread in the "safety" forum on this subject a while back. I think most guys decided the chain was unnecessary as long as the shield spins freely, (mine has a sticker that states that), by hand, or stops immediately if anything contacts it. I found that the plastic bearings will not hold up to constant 540 rpm, and eventually seized, even though well greased.