TC40DA PTO operation

[djradz]

I wouldn't change the tractor's PTO shaft, but instead modify the connection on the cutter. These can be change out at the point where they connect to the u-joint, so you're only replacing one piece. TSC and others have such a unit and while you're at it, get a new set of u-joint bearings. Otherwise you could install an overrunning clutch or some other sort of adapter that would have the push pin or collar for the tractor end and a hole for a locking pin like your cutter needs.

[lhfarm]

I did mean I'd replace the mower shaft. Don't know about an adaptor, but that would be a good quick fix. This mower is so old that it has the old small FORD size PTO on the u-joint. There is already an adaptor to take it up to the new standard. So maybe I can find a replacement for that.

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Oh well, while I had things hooked up I thought I'd spin the PTO and watch for the 540 lights come on. Hmmmm - no lights, just a 540 mark on the tach. So did they drop the fancy lights at some point?
)</font>

Must have dropped it... I don't know that it makes that much difference because it was based on rpm anyway. A mark on the tach would work just fine and is actually a simpler solution. If my lights ever quit working, I'll just use 2600 rpm as my 540 point. I don't think I'd replace the instrument cluster just for that.

[dliston]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Oh well, while I had things hooked up I thought I'd spin the PTO and watch for the 540 lights come on. Hmmmm - no lights, just a 540 mark on the tach. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] So did they drop the fancy lights at some point?
)</font>

Thank you! I thought I was going crazy!?!?! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] I don't remember a 540 light ever coming on....

Doug

[Soundguy]

Easy to find a collar or snap coupler that will go from 1 3/8 fem to the old 1 1/8 male..

Soundguy

[lhfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Easy to find a collar or snap coupler that will go from 1 3/8 fem to the old 1 1/8 male..

Soundguy )</font>

That would be perfect. I'll check Rural King (only farm store in town) this weekend.

Another question - I couldn't turn the tractor shaft to align the spline. Is there a trick (like engine off, PTO lever engaged) or do I need to get used to the idea of turning the implement shaft?

[DocHeb]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( or do I need to get used to the idea of turning the implement shaft? )</font>

Yes, you'll need to turn the implement. The PTO brake holds tight and you will not be able to turn the shaft. In fact, there was a recent recall for older TC40Ds and (I believe) very new TC40DAs that involved problems with the PTO Brake that allowed the shaft to turn. For details:

16. PTO Brake problems for serial numbers after G524944 to approximately G604974
New Holland Safety Recall

[chatcher]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yes, you'll need to turn the implement. The PTO brake holds tight and you will not be able to turn the shaft. In fact, there was a recent recall for older TC40Ds and (I believe) very new TC40DAs that involved problems with the PTO Brake that allowed the shaft to turn. For details:

16. PTO Brake problems for serial numbers after G524944 to approximately G604974
)</font>

My new TC35DA allows limited rotation of the PTO shaft to attach implements. The TC40DA should be the same. I think the recall does not do away with the ability to rotate the shaft, it just makes the brake less likely to break.

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My new TC35DA allows limited rotation of the PTO shaft to attach implements. )</font>

Chuck, unless NH has changed the design, the Repair Manual states that the rear PTO shaft cannot be turned when it is disengaged on non-mid PTO equiped tractors. If you have the mid-PTO option, you can disengage the rear PTO and it will turn. Does your tractor have the mid-PTO?

If he doesn't have the mid-PTO, he will have to turn the implement unless NH has made a recent change in their design and I haven't heard of it.

[lhfarm]

Checked Rural King and TSC and neither have an adaptor. Looks like the best bet is to replace the entire shaft. The old shaft hasn't been off in 30 years, so that might be a fun project.

Thanks for the help.