Hard to install PTO Shaft

[skywaterbanjo]

I'm a noob at removing the PTO shaft for the front mount snowblower. I removed the shaft that goes from the mid-PTO to the quick hitch. I got it off just fine and was experimenting with putting it back on so I would know what do to next winter. It took almost 45 minutes to get it back on. I would slip the end on the hitch and, in order to get the length correct to get on the PTO, it would jam the shaft on the hitch end and I couldn't get it to slide back on to the PTO end.

I'm sure I'm doing something stupid - I don't think it should be that hard. I made sure the shafts were well greased but they still seem to stick. Anyone else have that problem?

 

[KU Gator]

I assume you know you have to pull back that sleeve on the outside of the connection that you are sliding over the shaft on the midmount shaft. I find when putting the MMM back on the tractor, hooking up the shaft to be the most agrivating part. But I slide the sleeve back and raise the connector almost against the bottom of the tractor and try to use my index finger to apply the forward motion to push the connector over the shaft while holding the sleeve back until it is far enough to lock in place. Once you think you have it on, give it a couple of tugs to make sure it is locked or once you engage the PTO, it will slip off (voice of experience on that one). I don't know if that is your problem, but that is where I have problems as your arm is extended out and up and it is hard to do it all one handed.

 

[Egon]

Join another with the same problem!:confused2::laughing:

 

[skywaterbanjo]

I assume you know you have to pull back that sleeve on the outside of the connection that you are sliding over the shaft on the midmount shaft. I find when putting the MMM back on the tractor, hooking up the shaft to be the most agrivating part. But I slide the sleeve back and raise the connector almost against the bottom of the tractor and try to use my index finger to apply the forward motion to push the connector over the shaft while holding the sleeve back until it is far enough to lock in place. Once you think you have it on, give it a couple of tugs to make sure it is locked or once you engage the PTO, it will slip off (voice of experience on that one). I don't know if that is your problem, but that is where I have problems as your arm is extended out and up and it is hard to do it all one handed.

I know about the sleeve...that isn't the problem. When I get the shaft on the hitch end far enough on to position the PTO end, it sticks and I can't slide it on to the PTO. Didn't know if I am missing any tricks.

 

[taborekle]

One thing that I have learned is that it helps if the PTO shaft is as close to horizonal and level as possible. That seems to help me with my connects and disconnects.

 

[KU Gator]

Sorry, I am having a hard time visualizing what you are talking about. If the sleeve is pulled back and it is lined up, it should slide on pretty easily. There is also a splined type connection in the middle of the shaft that allows it to slide to adjust to different lengths and at least the one on my MMM has a place to grease it. Maybe a picture or two would help someone have an oh yeah moment.

Good luck.

 

[638]

Clean the splines, inside and out. Then oil them only, no grease. Clean and oil every time I put it together works for me.

 

[JoeL4330]

Sorry, I am having a hard time visualizing what you are talking about. If the sleeve is pulled back and it is lined up, it should slide on pretty easily. There is also a splined type connection in the middle of the shaft that allows it to slide to adjust to different lengths and at least the one on my MMM has a place to grease it. Maybe a picture or two would help someone have an oh yeah moment.

Good luck.

You are mainipulating the coupling, attached to the "driven" PTO shaft on the implement...having that coupling lined up is not (not) enough...the whole shaft must be lined up both left-right and up-down...ti.e., the universal must be absolutely straight ...might involve raising/lowering the implement and adjusting toplink (but be sure the tractor is off after adjustment, before tackling the connection.)

Sometimes I find it helpful to support the shaft: a stout rope from the ROPS forming an adjustable loop.