JD 503 Shredder PTO shaft Question

[SandyTX]

Hi Everyone;

Just bought a used 503 JD shredder.
The PTO drive shaft (which should slip in and out to shorten or lenghten does not move). Previous owner said it was not used in 2-3 years after they upgraded to a 7ft shredder. I've tried to use a mild steel and wooden mallet to hit the shaft in the middle to un seize it. It will not budge. Then I tried to take the shaft off of the shredder gear box. Not budging (looks like it needs a good grease session. However I did get it hooked up to the 3point a'ok and after I lifted it up it looks like it will slip onto the tractor pto. I'm afraid to then attach it and lower the shredder as if it is sieze very bad I do not want to damage the tractor pto or the gear box.
Any ideas?

1) Raise shredder and attach pto then lower shredder and hope it un seizes.
2) Find someone with a cutting torch and heat up the middle of the shaft to try to loosen it up.
3) Any other ideas?

JD 4300 Tractor

TIA everyone!

 

[RoyJackson]

I think you're correct in not rigging the cutter to the tractor and lifting it (to see if the shaft collapses). It might, or you could be making a rather expensive mistake. Not worth the risk, IMHO.

That shaft is probably rusted pretty badly after setting for 2-3 years (looking at the rest of it, I'd venture to say it sat outside).
Get a good quality penetrating oil (lots of TBNers like PB Blaster) and get as much down between the inner and outer shafts as you can. Let that set for a day (but spray more oil on it every couple of hours).
After that soak time, see if it'll slide (have someone tap on the shaft with a hammer while you're working it). Hopefully, it'll slide. This would be a good time to use that fire wrench if one is available.
If all that doesn't work, you can try pulling it apart with a come-along (going to have to prevent the cutter from moving though).
When I had a PTO shaft frozen like that, I fastened one end to a stationary object (my pick up's tow hitch) and the other to my 790's drawbar (using rope or chain...can't recall which), then gave it a steady pull in 1st gear low. I didn't want to yank it too quickly (790's don't move too quickly in 1st gear Low). It did come apart.
However, you'll have to remove it from the cutter if you want to do that. As far as removing it from the cutter, I'd use that penetrating oil and pry bar (just make sure the locking device is free).
Good luck!

 

[SandyTX]

Thanks for the words of advice.
I sprayed and soaked it last night with oil to try to break it up.
I'll try prying on it again tonight.

If I can just get the shaft off of the gear box; I'll probably just order a new PTO shaft online (seems to be about $130).
I'll try to borrow a cutting torch to heat it up or maybe try a propane torch.
I will keep everyone updated on the progress.

Picked up some PB Blaster this afternoon and heated shaft with a propane torch. Voila it sliped out. Took it out and cleaned it all up with oil.
Oiled the shaft and the fittings and test shredded about 1000 sq ft. Worked Great.

Thanks again!