A different kind of tiller question...

[Rustywreck]

There is a local rental shop that has a John Deere tiller for rent. When I spoke with the owner of the shop, he said he hasn't had a lot of success with the tiller fitting other brands of tractors.

It is a cat 1 3pt hitch tiller, 60" wide, which would be the right size for my New Holland T1520 tractor (60"). The only problem I could see is if the PTO shaft isn't the right length. He was unable to give me a reason why it wouldn't fit other tractors; when asked he said he didn't know why.

I have two PTO shafts - one on a brush hog and one on a snowblower.

My questions are:
Is there any other reason the tiller wouldn't fit my tractor?
Are the PTO shafts universal so I could try one of my PTO shafts?
Is there a way to figure out if it will fit before renting it and trying it out?

I intend to purchase a tiller one day; however, this is not that day.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[mrutkaus]

I think you are correct, the only thing would be the length of the PTO shaft, unless perhaps it has some odd angle to it (or some non standard PTO connections?). Maybe take a picture of your tractor go look at and measure the rental tiller, couldn't be too complicated.

Mike

 

[dcyrilc]

I have heard of situations where the lower connection to the 3PH has two tabs which the lower lift arm fits between and a pin goes in to secure it. In the situations I heard about, the ball? portion of the lower lift arm was too wide to fit between the tabs. That's the only thing which comes to mind right now.

 

[oldnslo]

Wouldn't the PTO shaft be included with the tiller? I wonder if people with Cat 2 tractors where trying to use it and the arms would not fit in the Cat 1 openings.

 

[greg_g]

I have two PTO shafts - one on a brush hog and one on a snowblower.

Both too long, you likely need a 20 incher. I just bought one for my flail mower: 20 1 3/8 SPL X 1 3/8 SPL-SPREADER - Agri Supply. They sell them as short as 16". But it's always best to buy one that's too long - than too short - then cut it down to the length you need.

There are quite a few variants: PTO SHAFT ASSEMBLIES - Agri Supply . So in addition to getting the right length, you have to make sure it's got the right couplers at both ends (diameter/# of splines/round/etc).

//greg//

 

[Rustywreck]

Yes the PTO shaft will come with the rental. The length of the shaft is the only thing I could think of that would make it not fit. I guess I'll just have to give it a try.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[JohninCT]

Here's a good video showing how to measure PTO shaft length

YouTube - How to Measure and Cut a Tractor PTO Shaft

 

[Tim Stuart]

It almost sounds like a up sale.

ie: rent you the tractor and the tiller