PTO Shaft Balance
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RoyJackson
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At 540 RPM, I don't think balance is a big issue. Plus, you're probably looking at the plastic guard, rather then the shaft.
I've never heard of implements wearing out a tractor PTO by being imbalanced.
So, I suggest you not worry...keep an eye on the implement, not the driveshaft.
I've never heard of implements wearing out a tractor PTO by being imbalanced.
So, I suggest you not worry...keep an eye on the implement, not the driveshaft.
RoyJackson
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Yeah, but my chain loops went years ago so mine spin (not in sync with the metal drive shaft, but it catches on occasion).
RoyJackson
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Rotary cutters thrash about a bit until those blades pivot out. As you know, the blades may not be fully extended initially, so the cutter (not the driveshaft) will be out of balance.
Once the blades pivot out (extend), they smooth out considerably...then you can increase the tractor to PTO RPM. I don't think you've a thing to worry about...
beenthere
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And important if an attachment that is running off the PTO and someone is working around the PTO shaft. On a rotary cutter, not of significance, as no one would be running a RC with someone near it on the ground (unless of course one carries riders along on the deck
NOT! )
RalphVa
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I agree with Roy about the low rpm not causing a vibration problem.
The cutters on my LX4 are weird. They seem to very seldom fully extend and flop in unison. So, the thing ends up very slightly out of balance until I hit something solid enough to jolt them into swinging right. I've lubed them with silicone spray to no avail. They just do their thing. SOMETIMES engaging and disengaging at different rpm straightens them out but not always. When they're swinging nicely in unison, the cutter is virtually as smooth as a straight blade lawnmower, but this often doesn't last long.
Ralph
The cutters on my LX4 are weird. They seem to very seldom fully extend and flop in unison. So, the thing ends up very slightly out of balance until I hit something solid enough to jolt them into swinging right. I've lubed them with silicone spray to no avail. They just do their thing. SOMETIMES engaging and disengaging at different rpm straightens them out but not always. When they're swinging nicely in unison, the cutter is virtually as smooth as a straight blade lawnmower, but this often doesn't last long.
Ralph
RoyJackson
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Nobody works around my drive shaft when it's running, including me. My only stationary implement is a chipper and we always approach from the rear.
Even when I have to get near the tractor, I give it wide berth (8-10 feet). With my bad leg, I trip or stumble occasionaly anyway...and I'm not going to be near any rotating equipment if and when I do.