Yanmar Ex3200 and Mid PTO?

powwowell · Jun 30, 2012

I thought I had worked out a deal on a Yanmar Ex3200. It was displayed with a belly mounted mower. I told the dealer that I didn't need the belly mower. Upon delivery, the mower was gone AND the mid PTO. I was expecting the tractor to come with the mid PTO. I want the option of a future belly mower, when my finishing mower needs replacing. Other tractors that I looked at and priced, came with mid PTOs. The dealer says the mid PTO went with the mower. They were to be installed on another tractor. Anyone have an opnion about this?

Yanmar Ex2900 · Jul 2, 2012

I Have a Yanmar EX2900 and Had to get the PTO and Mid Mount mower separately... It is an Option On the Yanmar tractors. Love the Yanmar though!!!

powwowell · Jul 2, 2012

I had the Yanmar EX3200 delivered today. Without a Mid PTO. I went to hook up my Woods finishing mower and the dadgum shaft (don't know the proper terminology), seems to be about two inches too long! Now what do I do? I tried to take the shaft off of the mower and it's like froze on. I've loosened the bolt and sprayed PB Blaster. Maybe it will loosen it up overnight? I'm thinking about cutting two inches off of the male and the female parts of the shaft? Sorry about all the questions, but will this work rather than buying a new shaft?

winston1 · Jul 2, 2012

Yes, cutting it off would be the proper way. Make sure you cut off enough so that when the mower is raised to it's highest position the shaft will not bottom out. Things have been broken that way. Most of the time the shaft will be at its shortest length when in the fully raised position. If you have an angle grinder you can cut them off using a metal cutting blade such as these without taking it off. 4-1/2" Cut-off Wheels for Metal, Pack of 10

California · Jul 3, 2012

Or add a Quick Hitch to move the mower back 2~3 inches, if you are sure that will be enough. The QH is a very handy thing to have. And as Winston said, be sure the shaft can't bottom out at any height before you use it!

If you do decide to cut the driveline, see if one half is longer than the other. You might find that a single cut is sufficient.

powwowell · Jul 3, 2012

I had planned to use a reciprocating saw, with a metal blade, for the cutting. I do have an angle grinder and that might be the best way?

The shaft is actually only about 1 inch too long. I'm thinking that if I take 3 inches off, I'll have some leeway for the raised position. I will need to cut both pieces. The female end is the same depth as the male end is long.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Yanmar Ex2900 · Jul 3, 2012

Hey Powwowell, Make sure you talk to the dealer there is a way to figure out exactly how long to make the PTO shaft, it is bad if it is too long and will damage the PTO or the mower or both. Also if you plan to add a quick hitch, and you cut it to fit now.... may be too short with the QH and cause you to have to purchase another.

winston1 · Jul 3, 2012

Here is an excellent video on pto shaft cutting. How To Video Demos - Implements & Attachments

Car Doc · Jul 3, 2012

I guess my opinion would be if it was on there once it can be put back on again just as easy. But your question leads me to think maybe you think you paid for something that wasn't there when you got it?

If you paid for it then I would expect either the parts or a refund. I can certainly see that not all tractors will have every option on them simply for pricing but also feel that the mid PTO could be installed w/o having any attachment at the same time. That part is confusing if thats what they meant and me not knowing anything about how a mid mower attaches btw.

powwowell · Jul 5, 2012

Car Doc said:
I guess my opinion would be if it was on there once it can be put back on again just as easy. But your question leads me to think maybe you think you paid for something that wasn't there when you got it?

If you paid for it then I would expect either the parts or a refund. I can certainly see that not all tractors will have every option on them simply for pricing but also feel that the mid PTO could be installed w/o having any attachment at the same time. That part is confusing if thats what they meant and me not knowing anything about how a mid mower attaches btw.

I'm about like you, not knowing anything about belly mount mowers. When I asked about the mower being taken off, I assumed that the Mid PTO would remain on the tractor. The dealer transferred the mower and the Mid PTO to another EX3200, that he had on the lot. He assumed that I had no interest in the Mid PTO. I am not saying that I got HooDooed. I think I got a reasonable price on the tractor, but it would have been even better with the Mid PTO. That would be a nice plus in case I ever decided to sell, or trade. Assuming can lead to disappointment!