Help removing an implement from the PTO?

Fredster · Oct 30, 2008

Hi all,

I put my post hole digger on about 4 weeks ago to set some fenceposts. I've left the digger attached because I planned to dig a few more holes in the next couple of weeks. Today, I decided to clean up the garden with the mower, and I've found that I can't disconnect the digger now.

I'm not a tractor guru, so I don't know the right words for parts. Please excuse any errors.

If you look in the picture below, you can see the hookup. The brass-colored part on the driveshaft slides back, and that lets the whole piece slide off the overrunning thingy (the yellow piece).

The brass is sliding back, and the whole piece will move forward on the overrunning thing, but it won't come off. Specifically, it won't slide back and off, like the little chuck or whatever locks into the notch on the overrunning thing isn't retracting. It never got wet to my knowledge, so I don't think it rusted, but anything's possible.

Can someone suggest something I can do to get this dang thing disconnected so I can go hook up the mower?

Thanks in advance!

kennyd · Oct 30, 2008

Soak it it WD40 or another penatrant, There are balls under the sliding collar that retract when the its pulled back-they are probably stuck from moisture.

Fredster · Oct 30, 2008

Got it soaking now, thanks for the suggestion.

I'll give it a try here in a few minutes.

Fredster · Oct 30, 2008

It took me forever and a day, but I finally got it with the WD40 and using a hammer like a pry bar.

Just in time to quit for the day because it's getting dark.

Thanks for the help!

kenmac · Oct 31, 2008

Fredster said:
It took me forever and a day, but I finally got it with the WD40 and using a hammer like a pry bar.

Just in time to quit for the day because it's getting dark.

Thanks for the help!

I have to use a hammer when I leave my cutter attached for days/ weeks. I learned to put grease on the splines b-4 I connect anything to the PTO

wombat · Nov 1, 2008

I have a problem periodically with a similar link.
It is usually sticks because a build up of TOO MUCH grease stops the ball bearings from retracting.
I clean it with degreaser and oil it with engine oil.
They are a real bad position for a dodgy back.
I will probably end up with quick hitches.

Wombat