New to Me: Posthole Digger... PTO Shaft Questions.

[Iplayfarmer]

I just picked up a new (to me) post hole auger. I'm excited to get using it, but as you can see from the pictures, there are issues with the PTO shaft.

Here are my questions...

The gearbox shaft and the ID of the yoke both measure 1 1/8". Is this a commonly available PTO shaft size?

How big of a deal is it to just change out the shafts themselves?

If I do decide to change out the shafts, where would I get the materials?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[whistlepig]

I just picked up a new (to me) post hole auger. I'm excited to get using it, but as you can see from the pictures, there are issues with the PTO shaft.

Here are my questions...

The gearbox shaft and the ID of the yoke both measure 1 1/8". Is this a commonly available PTO shaft size?

How big of a deal is it to just change out the shafts themselves?

If I do decide to change out the shafts, where would I get the materials?

Thanks in advance for the help.

1 1/8" is standard. I would buy an off the shelf PTO shaft and use a hacksaw to custom fit it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

1-1/8 is the std small pto. 1-3/8 is common these days, but you should easily be able to match yours @ TSC. If they dont have it they will order it.
larry

 

[whistlepig]

1-1/8 is the std small pto. 1-3/8 is common these days, but you should easily be able to match yours @ TSC. If they dont have it they will order it.
larry

Spyderlk is correct. I checked my PTO shaft tonight. It is 1 3/8". I apoligize for the misinformation.

 

[kebo]

What's wrong with the shaft that came with it?? You can dig post holes around corners with that shaft LOL!!!!

 

[Iplayfarmer]

What's wrong with the shaft that came with it?? You can dig post holes around corners with that shaft LOL!!!!

:laughing:

I'm hoping someone can tell me there is some simple easy way to take my existing ends and put a new shaft in between them. It seems the cost would be much lower that way. The ends are in good shape as near as I can tell.

I looked at a few places on the internet, and the smallest shafts I could find were 1 1/4". If anyone knows a place that sells 1 1/8" I'd appreciate a link.

 

[KWentling]

:laughing:

I'm hoping someone can tell me there is some simple easy way to take my existing ends and put a new shaft in between them. It seems the cost would be much lower that way. The ends are in good shape as near as I can tell.

I looked at a few places on the internet, and the smallest shafts I could find were 1 1/4". If anyone knows a place that sells 1 1/8" I'd appreciate a link.

What shape is the shaft? I can't tell from the picture. It appears to have a roll pin to retain it so it should be easy to replace. Do you just need the one half or are both bent like that?
I have bought yokes and crosses from Baum Hydraulics Corp (800-228-9288) in the past. They have all sizes and shapes of shafting also. I've noticed some of their online pricing is wrong so if it seems outrageous I'd call. Might want to call anyway to be sure you are getting just what you need. You would also need shielding if it doesn't have it or is damaged. Unshielded post hole digger PTO shafts have maimed or killed many people. Personally know a farm kid who's sweatshirt got caught and it nearly killed him. Broke both arms in many places. His brother got it shut off before it got worse.

Kim

 

[skipmarcy]

Had to buy a new pto shaft for a used piece of equip I bought last fall and got a new shear bolt type complete with guards and all for less than $90 at my local Co-op. If you find one that's too long, you can easily cut it down to fit your purpose.

 

[SPYDERLK]

:laughing:

I'm hoping someone can tell me there is some simple easy way to take my existing ends and put a new shaft in between them. It seems the cost would be much lower that way. The ends are in good shape as near as I can tell.

I looked at a few places on the internet, and the smallest shafts I could find were 1 1/4". If anyone knows a place that sells 1 1/8" I'd appreciate a link.

Sorry, I thot you were talking about the splined collar shaft size. Is the bent part you need to replace actually square??. Most are either rectangular or semi tricoidal so that they can only fit together in an orientatation such that the u-joints are phased correctly. You should be able to get matching shafting easily and extract the old from the yoke and weld in the new.
larry

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Sorry, I thot you were talking about the splined collar shaft size. Is the bent part you need to replace actually square??. Most are either rectangular or semi tricoidal so that they can only fit together in an orientatation such that the u-joints are phased correctly. You should be able to get matching shafting easily and extract the old from the yoke and weld in the new.
larry

The 1 1/8" is the OD of the round shaft coming out of the digger gearbox. I finally found a shaft with that size of fitting on the end, but it was only about 32" long. I need about 70".

I guess what I have is semi tricoidal. I'd never heard or seen that word before, but it seems to describe the shape of the shaft I have. It's like a triangle with knobby corners and bulging sides.

There is a roll pin in both ends, but there are a few spot welds between the shafts and the yokes. It will be a test of my grinder skills to get them off.

Only the one end is twisted up like that. The other is straight, but if the price is right I'll replace them both. I'm now on a quest for online retailers of "Semi tricoidal" shafting material.