Rotary Cutter PTO shaft for 6' bush hog

[cmikewil]

I just bought a "new to me" Wallace 6 foot bush hog with a couple of years on it, and a bent PTO shaft. While not noticable until I engage the mower, it does cause some vibration and is visably bent a small bit. I've not had any luck trying to straighten it by standing on it, or other means of bending the small inch or so deflection out of the shaft.

The mower cost me $350, and looks to be in decent shape. No oil leaking, blades are good, not much rust - just the shaft. I'm tempted to buy a new shaft, but would like the opinions of you here on what brand to look for, and where to look.

I've priced these at Tractor Supply at something north of $200. Is there a better deal out there? Anything online? I'm not trying to be cheap, but I hate to approach the cost of the bush hog - which itself may be of questionable value.

 

[Ken]

I just bought a "new to me" Wallace 6 foot bush hog with a couple of years on it, and a bent PTO shaft. While not noticable until I engage the mower, it does cause some vibration and is visably bent a small bit. I've not had any luck trying to straighten it by standing on it, or other means of bending the small inch or so deflection out of the shaft.

The mower cost me $350, and looks to be in decent shape. No oil leaking, blades are good, not much rust - just the shaft. I'm tempted to buy a new shaft, but would like the opinions of you here on what brand to look for, and where to look.

I've priced these at Tractor Supply at something north of $200. Is there a better deal out there? Anything online? I'm not trying to be cheap, but I hate to approach the cost of the bush hog - which itself may be of questionable value.

cmikewil Could you take the shaft to a machine shop where could be heated and aligned properly. it is common to have shafts make and same method to align would be used.

ken

 

[big lar]

Yeah, thats a good idea, a machine shop or a welding shop could probably straighten it out. Is it a square tube or almost oval-type shaft?

 

[murphy1244]

Just buy a new PTO it would almost cost the same as fixing it.

 

[Ted Summey]

Check around your area for a drive shaft shop. We have one in our area that builds and repairs drive shafts and PTO shafts. Fixing a bent PTO shaft should be a common job for a shop like that.

 

[bullbreaker]

Also do a " CL " search under farm and garden. I have found them in past (different lenghts) some like new between $40 and $75 complete. :thumbsup:

Boone

 

[namyessam]

If you had a hydraulic press available to you, they can be straightened. I have a brother in law that has managed to bend two of them. the first one he bent both shafts so he bought a new assembly. He bent one section of the new one and I managed to straighten it so it easily slid together. I was so happy I took on the task to straighten the first one and with a lot of time and patience I was able to save that one also. Both were the round three sided style. If you can do it yourself it will save money, if you have to pay someone, new will be almost cheaper. Have any friends with a press that owe you a favor??

 

[cmikewil]

Mine is also the 3 sided style - with the plastic guard chewed up badly enough it's no longer any good. I don't have access to a press; I do have hydraulic jacks. I might try something with that. Am I wasting time?

 

[Soundguy]

deffinately repalce it. it's doubtfull you could bend it back right without a driveline shop. and with it out.. it can hog out pto shaft bearings on the tractor and the input shaft on the mower.

I just bought a "new to me" Wallace 6 foot bush hog with a couple of years on it, and a bent PTO shaft. While not noticable until I engage the mower, it does cause some vibration and is visably bent a small bit. I've not had any luck trying to straighten it by standing on it, or other means of bending the small inch or so deflection out of the shaft.

The mower cost me $350, and looks to be in decent shape. No oil leaking, blades are good, not much rust - just the shaft. I'm tempted to buy a new shaft, but would like the opinions of you here on what brand to look for, and where to look.

I've priced these at Tractor Supply at something north of $200. Is there a better deal out there? Anything online? I'm not trying to be cheap, but I hate to approach the cost of the bush hog - which itself may be of questionable value.

 

[namyessam]

I would not even attempt any straightening without a hydraulic press. I have to admit I am a journeyman toolmaker with 30+ years of experience with a complete machine shop at my disposal. I have been doing this kind of work throughout my career. I stated that it could be done with the right experience and tools. I also stated that it would be cheaper to buy new in the longrun rather than pay a shop to straighten it. If you had someone with similar resources they may be able to be sucessfull. I don't want to mislead anyone. Look to purchase new. Sorry