How To Shorten Comer PTO Shaft?

[JimMorrissey]

I tried to hook up my snow blower to my L39 earlier today and found out that the PTO shaft was cut for my previous tractor, which had longer lower link arms, thus the shaft is too long. Has anybody cut one back that can provide some advice? I don't imagine it's rocket science..... I have a small manual from Comer, but it's all about lubing the joints and general maintenance. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[6or7dazeaweek]

Jim: Not really sure but I watched my FIL shorten trailer axles by cutting to length & then finding just the right sized pipe to slip over the axles...then he welded the sleeves onto the axles. Not sure if that would be the approved method for PTO shafts or not but it's something to consider. Good luck!
Jon

 

[JimMorrissey]

Funny....I did the same thing to replace and strengthen an axle on one of my trailers.

Pretty sure it's just a matter of cutting to length, but want to make sure I don't miss anything and ruin it.

Thanks.

 

[Inspector507]

Jim,
Take a look at this thread
and it will give you the "how-to" and even follow the link to another thread which references the Bush Hog site which has good info there as well.

 

[cp1969]

Shortening regular PTO shafts is easy...lengthening, not so. Is the Comer a square shaft? If not, disregard what I say.

If you have access to an abrasive saw, like a Milwaukee or DeWalt that has a 12" or so cut-off wheel, just cut equal amounts off the inner and outer driveshaft pieces and dress up the edges with a file.

If you were close, I'd loan you mine or you could bring the shaft over.

 

[3RRL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( just cut equal amounts off the inner and outer driveshaft pieces and dress up the edges with a file.)</font>

cp is correct...
My Howse bushhog has instructions that mention to do that if the shaft is too long. (Fortunately, I did not need to do that.) I believe you could use a sharp hacksaw if you could keep the cut reasonably square, but a cut-off wheel would be much easier.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Got it...Looks pretty simple.

BTW, I did search and as usual found nothing via TBN "search". Thanks.

 

[EdKing]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I believe you could use a sharp hacksaw if you could keep the cut reasonably square, but a cut-off wheel would be much easier. )</font>

I used a sawzall with a metal cutting blade, worked fine.

 

[19977]

Jim, go to www.befco.com when it comes up click on technical , than adjusting the drive line,might be of some help.

Mike

 

[HEC]

Did exactly like Ed mentioned using a sawzall, worked great for me also.You need to make sure to get off all the burrs or it will be very difficult to slide the shafts together again.Hack saw will work fine if that is all you have available, just take a bit longer.
Good Luck,
Herb

 

[HobbleCreek]

I also have a Comer PTO shaft on my snowblower. The little book that came with mine included instructions for shortening the shaft. I just happened to be looking at it today trying to find the correct size for replacement shear bolts. That wasn't there, but instructions for shaft shortening were.

I tried to scan them and post them, but I'm having some difficulty. The steps are pretty simple, and are pretty much what has been said already:

1) Remove Shielding

2) Shorten the driveline tubes to proper equal length (very helpful instruction, eh? The picture shows a hack saw cutting the tubes.

3) Debur edges of the drive tube with a file and clean all filings from the tubes.

4) Shorten the equally long guard tubes to the same length as the driveline tubes. (I think this is a translation from Italian, but you probably get the idea.)

5) Grease the internal driveline tube.

6) Fit the guard on the shaft.

7) Make sure that the length of the driveline conforms to the maximum elongation conditions. (I have no idea what that means.)

 

[midlf]

#7 means make sure that the max length the implement can extend the PTO shaft will not cause the shaft to come apart.

I.E. make sure the shaft is not too short before using as if it comes apart it will be "unpleasant".