How rusty should a new PTO shaft be?

[dnw64]

Got my new tiller from Agri Supply. Looks great.



But I was rather disappointed in the PTO shaft. It was in a cardboard box that had been shrink-wrapped, but obviously far from water tight. There is no obvious functional issues, but I am concerned that water has gotten into the joints and could cause premature failure. If it's purely cosmetic I guess it's ok, but I did buy something Brand New...Or am I just being too picky?

 

[jeff9366]

When you pay full price you deserve new condition.

Looks like "scale" rust in the photos, which is surface rust.

Personally I would soak the female end with Blaster then scrub it with a wire brush. Wipe out splines after cleaning, then lube lightly. I use Eureka Fluid Film as my first choice, spray lithium grease as my second choice. A light coating; a heavy coating can prevent last 1/64" of connection.

Pump grease into the Zerk until grease shows on the trunnions. It will be fine.


I cannot understand why implement manufacturers do not spray PTO connections with a rust preventative or apply waterproof grease at the factory.

 

[CalG]

Let those sit out doors for a season or two untill the color evens out.

There is no finish like a properly "rust browned and oiled" finish. I try to keep it up on all my equipment. It takes some doing, lots of lubricants and hand rubbing. But it's worth it.

These days, fluid film is my choice. Smells good and it's easy on the skin.


Have you ever had the opportunity to look under a "New" pickup truck on the dealer's lot. Then you could talk about rust.
(When these storms pass down south, there will be lots of "lightly rusted" "New" stuff" on the market.)

 

[Sawyer Rob]

IF it bothers you, then return it for replacement...

I generally don't buy cheapo tools, and if I paid for some "quality", I'd expect what I bought to BE quality and to look better than what your picts show.

SR

 

[CalG]

IF it bothers you, then return it for replacement...

I generally don't buy cheapo tools, and if I paid for some "quality", I'd expect what I bought to BE quality and to look better than what your picts show.

SR

Those yellow PTO assemblies are not on the "quality shelf", they are the TSC (and others) economy option. Made in USA cost double.

 

[fatjay]

Usually they have a thin coat of oil on them to prevent these things from happening. Even stuff I have bought from TSC usually has an oil coat. I've never seen something new come out of TSC like that.

If I were you I'd be bothered by it, I like to take care of my stuff and keep it looking nice, even if it gets dirty. My 20 year old PTO shafts look better than that. If you plan to keep it, just think what it'll look like in 20 years.

 

[bigtiller]

I wouldn't give it a second thought. Give it a big pump of grease in the spring and by the time you're done tilling the whole thing will be a greasy mess. It will most likely outlast the tractor it is connected to.

 

[tcreeley]

I bought my tiller from them 3 years ago. 5'. It came without rust. I don't think that the rust or water could get into the U joints because they are packed with grease. - I like my tiller.
I've looked at the one Tractor Supply sells- County line I think, and King Cutter on line and the quality of this tiller is just as fine.
It is a rugged tiller and handles my rocky ground well here in Maine.

Here it is when it was dropped off in March a few years back.

 

[kthompson]

I have walked the lot of Agri Supply about an hour from me many times, have done same at TSC only about 4 miles from me and a few tractor dealers over the years. While I understand your question on the rust and do think Agri Supply keeps them inside, have seen many a rusty spot on new equipment at all of them. Even some on tractors still new on the lots. Think light paint jobs is one reason, metal to metal in shipping, the weight of what is being shipped and trying to control it's movement in shipping and loading and unloading. Even a strap will rub some things. No doubt why you see touch up paint in about all those stores for sale. lol Know not the same issue but just bought a $4,700 implement and there is a piece of masking tape on it, no idea why and went to remove it and it has dried on there and does not want to come off. Do not think paint is damage but it bugs me. OK touch up paint for the masking tape, right? Or some goof off or such.

 

[Mark P.]

I have bought a fair amount of items from Agri Supply, and never had any real problems...I would bet they figured the box being shrink wrapped had never gotten wet.. If you don't like it give them a call and let them know about it. The guys that have helped me in the past wouldn't hesitate to ship you a new one that has been inspected by them. Call and ask for Vernon, Gene, or Andy these guys have always treated me well. They will make it right if they know about it.

Mark