HELP: pto disconnect

[Dogscape]

Hi If anyone has any helpful tips, I cannot attach the pto shaft from my new PostHole digger to my tractor.

The collar slips onto the end of the spline, and then you're supposed to pull back on the collar and push the whole thing forward so it clicks onto the notches in the spline.
I cannot push it forward.
Anyone have any tips?
I've tried putting a crowbar into the u joint and pushing, but it's just counter-intuitive to do it.
There is a plastic shield around the shaft so I cannot hold it well either.
HELP.

 

[RandyT]

I've have issues connecting shafts when one of the little balls inside stick and don't retract preventing the shaft from sliding on. Liked to not get the pto for my finish mower on last week. My bush hog mower is real bad to stick the balls in the connector because it doesn't get used enough.

 

[randy41]

try lubricating the shaft.

 

[Dogscape]

Yah well this is brand new. not rusty from sitting. It is nuts! I must be doing something wrong!!! When it was delivered last week delivery guy set it up. Worked no problem.
WTF am I doing wrong?

 

[Dogscape]

I'm thinking this might be a case of me being stupid, or this pto shaft shield being a little to overengineered on the "safe" side.... orsomething wrong with the little ball bearings?
Why would they put little delicate ball-bearing collars on something that is farm equipment and gonna sit outside and what not?
Is all pto equipment made this way?

 

[k0ua]

Well you have described the correct procedure, so I don't think you are doing anything wrong. Is the collar and shaft nice and greasy? does it pull back nicely?, Check for burrs on the PTO shaft on the tractor, and on the U joint piece. Feel inside with your finger and make sure all 3 of the little balls will retract when you pull the collar back. Make sure you are trying to go on "Square" and don't have the collar/U joint assembly cocked sideways or drooped down, It is a lot of movement to have to make to line up "square" pull the stupid collar (designed by an idiot, the button actuated one is better) and then while pulling you have to push too.. No crow bars are necessary, and you run some risk of damaging your PTO shaft/bearing/seals. Grease everything up, check you balls, and just go ahead and let out an oath before you start, as it will save time while you are bent over wrassling with the darn thing Good Luck.

James K0UA

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I'm thinking it's an alignment issue. Pushing a shaft while pulling a collar and trying to rotate the u joint all at the same time..... I would try to have the shaft as nearly straight as possible a d make sure it's all well lubed.

 

[Dogscape]

Ok... thanks for all the help.
I got it on... seems those little ball bearings were sticking. Cleaned em, sprayed em with wd 40 and I think I rinsed out some grit. Managed to get em moving, then I hanged the thing over a retaining wall to make the shaft level and I was able to get her to click.

I wish it was easier. Do they make different mechanisms for those shaft ends? That is way too over engineered. geez. Lost 2 hours of work today.

I want to be able to swap my attachedments 2 , 3 times a day this time of year, if need be.

 

[Don87]

Now that you know what to look for, it won't take much more than 5 minutes in the future.

 

[CaptJCHill]

Keep it lubed with pb blaster or any good penetrating oil,rotate the ring on the shaft several times to wash out contaniments.Also some shafts have a push button on the collar ( like a bayonette) and they seem more trouble free, but I wouldnot let it be a determening factor for an implement.I lube and check on each installationbecause if I don't it also takes an hour or two to swap implements.Good Luck!
John