PTO shaft cover problem and Q's

GSS · May 27, 2003

PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

I was mowing for an hour or so yesterday with the finish mower. After stopping the mower (so I could drive to the next section) and then re-engaging the PTO, the chain which keeps the PTO shaft cover stationary came off the one end of the shaft and was whipping the mower uprights as the shaft spun. I quickly shut the PTO down and examined it. Looks like the S hook on the one end of the chain ripped through the plastic loop on the shaft cover. Examining it further, I noticed that the cover was a little tighter around the PTO shaft than normal and was pretty warm to the touch.

I know I can still run the mower, but would prefer not to without the cover being stationary. First, how can I re-attach the chain without using the intended loop? Second, did I fail to lube it and the excess friction caused the cover to pull through the chain? I still have to look at the book I got with the mower and shaft.

The mower's a Cub Cadet 72" finish rear discharge type, which is actually made by Woods and is identical to the RD72**, except yellow.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

- Gerald

markie61 · May 27, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

My chain is broken and I use a bungee cord wrapped once around the "bell" and hooked to a hole on the tractor - it's enough to keep it from spinning.

My cover has plastic zerks/grease fittings. Squirt a few shots of grease into them and spin the cover until in turns freely. Attach the bungee cord, put "lube cover" on your regular maintenance list, and go back to mowing! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Mark

Inspector507 · May 27, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

Lack of grease on that "so called" grease fitting will cause it to do just what you described...........I know mine is that way now /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

GSS · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

Thanks guys. I guess I couldn't get past all of the warnings in the PTO shaft guide to get to where it described that "fitting". Oh well. Thanks a lot!

HayDR · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

Please do not operate the PTO without the shields in proper working order. There are many aftermarket shields complete that are available in the $20-40 range. Not all dealers like PTO business because it is very technical with many different MFG's and good parts people are hard to find. Find a repair shop in your area or find one on the net but please operate PTO's only with the safety shields in place.

normde2001 · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

I wouldn't worry about whether the shield turns or not as long as it will spin easily on the shaft by hand. (That's what the safety sticker on mine says). There has been a lot of conversation on this issue, but no agreement; However, I just can't imagine that plastic bearing standing up for very long to constant 540 rpm.

Inspector507 · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

The shield on mine came with the Yanmar tiller. It definately has Japanese markings on it. When I took the shaft off to run it to the shop to grease it, a bunch of ball bearings fell out. Ball bearings on a steel shaft with them being held with plastic. What I mean is, the plastic peice held the bearings in place. Since they all fell out, the shield is free on that end to turn if it wanted to, but I guess friction holds it to the other half of the shield.

JATO_RaT · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

I'm a little curious why the shield is so important. I'm not advocating anyone to operate their tractor without one, I'm just curious why a spinning shaft is so hazardous when your up on a seat, buckled. Now if your the type that leaves the mower running, gets off the tractor, climbs around the backend of the tractor or has other folks do it, theres an obvious problem. It's not something that is done by me. The PTO shaft seems to be one of the most safety covered devices while other things are given less consideration. My question boils down to this: Why is it dangerous to operate your tractor with no shaft cover when your the only one near the tractor for hundreds of feet while the PTO is operating and your buckled into the seat? I seem to be missing something. I know of the accidents that happen, mutilations even when folks get caught by the uncovered spinning shaft, but that has to also be from careless practices.

Anonymous Poster · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

Hi GSS,

<font color="blue"> I know I can still run the mower, but would prefer not to without the cover being stationary. First, how can I re-attach the chain without using the intended loop? </font>

I think I remember someone using one of those stainless steel radiator hose clamps to do exactly what you need. Cheap, easy and effective...hose clamp goes around the shield and the chain is hooked to/under the hose clamp.

Hope this helps...enjoy the gaps in the rain! Are the April showers late around here, or is that just my imagination?

markie61 · May 28, 2003

Re: PTO shaft cover problem and Q\'s

Not 30 minutes ago, my ROPS hit a branch and it fell on the PTO shaft. I forgot to bungee the safety cover and it flung past my ear. If the cover hadn't been spinning it wouldn't have been thrown.

Or how about that guy in another forum a couple days ago who got rope around his mower blade. It could just as easily happen with the PTO shaft.

But chances are it will always be something you don't expect or can't conceive of that is going to happen.... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Mark