PTO Extension

workinonit · Oct 17, 2020

So I'm gonna throw this out there. Wanna hear all the reasons why it's a bad idea...or a not so bad idea. Some of the ideas I already know. I would like to make a PTO shaft that connects to my 5090 PTO and extends far enough back to make connecting the PTO not so difficult with the QH on, basically an extender. I'm thinking 6 to 8 inches will get me out of the guard and help immensely. My only worry really is the extra force that will be applied to the bearing on the PTO shaft. Safety is not a concern for me as everything I do is alone. I don't exit my cab with the PTO on.

RickB · Oct 17, 2020

An extender will put the front u-joint at a more extreme angle when the implement is raised than hooking directly to the tractor shaft.
I would take the guard off the tractor before adding an extender, even if I had one in my hand.

workinonit · Oct 17, 2020

Yea, I can see that. With my bush hog the shaft is so long I don't think that would be an issue but it could be for some of the other attachments.

RickB · Oct 17, 2020

Specific to a rotary cutter an extender will increase the likelihood of the shaft hitting the front edge of the deck when the hitch is raised. That can be a concern under normal circumstances.

CoyPatton · Oct 17, 2020

An extender of 6-8”, will most likely require you to shorten every PTO shaft you use with it to the point that if you do not want the extension you will have to replace the shaft(s). Remember a shaft that is too long can damage either the tractor PTO housing and internals and/or the gear box. You have also increased the leverage on the tractor PTO stub as you raise and lower the implement.
This consider is in addition to the angle changes of the shaft.

workinonit · Oct 17, 2020

If I do it it will be all in. I like hearing the stumbling blocks but so far nothing that can't be worked around. When I get home I think I will fab one just to see what it looks like and how it affects the geometry of everything. I have a piece of stock and I think I have both connectors. May have to turn the shaft ends down.

metalbender · Oct 17, 2020

There is a reason the pto shaft stub is short. Not advertised as an option for a longer shaft. Side forces would be extreme and SNAP.

ovrszd · Oct 17, 2020

At a minimum early bearing failure.

TractorGuy · Oct 17, 2020

I use an 6" extender with my brush cutter but only because it's shaft was too sort to use with my quick hitch. Used it on two different tractors without any problems.

NOW if you add an extender just to get it out further from the tractor make sure you have enough slide left in the shafts it won't bottom and put pressure on the PTO when you raise the implement. TTWT did a video where he tore up the rear end of a tractor because he didn't shorten the shaft enough.