PTO yoke replacement made easier

[etpm]

My PTO driven post hole digger suffered a broken U joint and damaged yoke from operator error. The drive shaft is the tri-lobed type. I put the shaft in the vise, suitably protected from damage, and was able to drive off the damaged yoke with a hammer. I did this carefully so as not to damage the drive shaft. However, I could not easily drive the new yoke on without risking damage. Instead I used a 6 foot length of 1/2-13 allthread, two nuts and two heavy washers. I lived the threads where the nuts would be and by running the allthread through the hollow driveshaft i was just able to draw the very tightly fitting new yoke onto the driveshaft. 5/8-11 allthread would have been a better choice and if I ever need to do this again that's what I'll use. The upshot is that drawing the yoke on was very controllable and miles better than using a hammer for the job.

 

[Zebrafive]

Largest allthread that would fit would be the best choice. Good idea.