PTO Plastic Shield

[Stoner]

I purchased a KingKutter Tiller about a month ago. Like the tiller, it does a great job. The last time I used the tiller the plastic shield on the PTO shaft separated. I sent a letter and photos to KingKutter for a warranty claim. Does anyone have any ideas why the plastic shield would separate where it did? I have attached a couple of photo for you all to get a better idea what I am talking about.

[browns40]

Hi stoner,

I'd just slide it back in place & put 2 or 3 sheet metal screws through the flange & shaft cover to fix it... think you'll have a hard time convincing KK this is a product failure...

There's not much holding these plastic covers together anyway; a hard pull or twist would break just abot any of the 2 piece ends like that... looks like yours is pretty full of pretty thick grease... may have spun & greased it's way out of the housing.

[greg_g]

The shields come apart into four separate pieces that are designed to separate with a push and twist motion. It's designed this way so you can remove the shield if/when it's necessary to cut/repair/replace the underlying shafts/couplers.

In your case, I strongly suspect the separation is as a result of an extreme angle of operation when your tiller is operating at maximum depth. One way to decrease this angle, is to increase the working length of the shaft. In some cases this can be accomplished by adjusting tiller brackets so that the tiller itself is farther away from the back of the tractor.

//greg//

[rfawkes]

When they break, and they always do over time, I just replace the long pipe with pvc, and I must admit, don't bother with the ends. If the ends aren't broken, maybe they could be screwed onto the pvc pipe. It is a low cost fix like duct tape and probably permanent.

[jimg]

That looks exactly like the Euro Caran shaft. Ive had some experience w/ those and getting them apart the first time is pretty tough. Is this the first time its bneen apart?

[Stoner]

It is the first time they have come apart. I was thinking of using some PVC glue and glue the pieces together. I know the glue is tough but do not how long it will last.

[greg_g]

It is the first time they have come apart. I was thinking of using some PVC glue and glue the pieces together.

To what end? It should just snap right back into it's holes and grooves. Unless you actually damaged it, your problem is more likely the work angle than an actual product defect.

If you glue the coverings together - assuming it actually holds - how would you remove same for cleaning/inspection/repair ?

//greg//

[bill177]

I have the Euro Caran shaft on my Massey Ferguson tiller. I need to remove the shaft from the tiller for cutting - can't due to this shaft's cover.

How do I get the cover off?

[greg_g]

I have the Euro Caran shaft on my Massey Ferguson tiller. I need to remove the shaft from the tiller for cutting - can't due to this shaft's cover.

How do I get the cover off?

Not sure if you're asking how to get it the PTO shaft assembly off the tiller, or how to get the protective plastic covers off the PTO shaft assembly. I'll assume the latter.

Eurocardan makes it difficult on purpose, it's a liability issue. First, pull the assembly apart and work on one half at a time. The plastic tubes can be separated from the end pieces with some diligence, a matter of pushing in on the square tabs (end piece) while pushing and twisting (on the tube). It's counter-intuitive, but the tube removes backwards through the end piece. Compared to separating, putting them back together is frustratingly simple.

But it's not mandatory to remove the plastic tubes to size the actual shafts they're covering. Again, separate assembly into two halves. After measuring twice, cut through both the plastic tube and inner shaft to desired length. Then make a second cut about 3 inches up from the first cut, but only go through the plastic. This will prevent the outer tube (yellow) from slamming against the opposite end shroud when the assembly is fully collapsed. Repeat the process on the inner (black) tube and shaft.

//greg//

[bill177]

That was the info I was looking for. Thank you very much.