PTO hookup- Is it just me?

[Squeak n Itch]

Just love "two-fers". With the suggestion that the engine remain off, the PTO shaft on the Kubota turns counter-clockwise easily and stays. I had been trying with the engine running. This engine-off way will be 1)easier and 2)much safer. Thanks to contributors.

 

[Soundguy]

I had been trying with the engine running. This engine-off way will be 1)easier and 2)much safer. Thanks to contributors.

Since I'm not a crab, and can't grow any 'parts' back.. I don't touch the pto shaft when the tractor is running... I got too many uses for my hands and arms right now!

soundguy

 

[jmc]

Thanks, All, for the thoughtful comments. I'm going to try the suggestions of using some other lube than grease for the telescoping part of the shaft. Mine has two feet of overlap coated with sticky grease on a close fit. Maybe that will make extending the shaft a one-handed operation.

John

PS- getting that plastic cover off the pto shaft was a real puzzle... (Woods Brushbull)

 

[dmccarty]

Putting on the a 3PH attachment is a PITA. The PTO shaft just adds to fun.

I now put all of my attachments on something. The MX6 sits on a bunch of Ceder poles and the boxblade sits on some flat concrete blocks. Being off the ground is good for the equipment but it allows me to use a metal bar to move the implements to get them on the lower arms.

For the PTO shaft, I keep it lubed. If it needs more I put on Fluid Film. I can spin the PTO shaft on the tractor or the PTO on the MX6 if the two need to be aligned. What I really try to do is not turn on the PTO when there is not an implement attached. Seems to keep things aligned and since I only have one PTO power implement it works for me.

BUT, getting the PTO shaft on is still a PITA. I use a rubber bungy cord or use a rope to tie the shield as far out of the way as possible.

The real trick has been to straddle the PTO shaft so it can be held by your legs while you fumble and turn the air blue trying to get the PTO connected.

THEN the top link is hooked up. For me its easy since I have a hydraulic toplink.

Putting on the PTO has gotten easier. Just putting on the implement is still not fun. Tis easier but still takes time.

Later,
Dan

 

[Charlie175]

If the PTO isn't engaged then what is the fear of hooking up with the tractor on? It won't suddenly change its mind and turn on.

 

[jmc]

Charlie,

I think its that the risk is so small but the consequences are so disasterous that you don't take ANY chances- Like never pointing a gun at something you don't want to shoot, even though you just unloaded it.

John

 

[Charlesaf3]

Don't tell anybody, but I cut the shroud portion off the protector sleeve because of this problem.

Made a world of difference in hooking it up. And it's still protected by the tractor metal shield.

I may possibly have done this myself. If I did, I found it helps a lot. And I'm kind of of the mind that anyone who climbs between an operating tractor and operating attachment needs more than a small plastic cover worth of help.

An entirely new whine on the subject - whats with the locking system where you have to pull on the outside to release the d*** ball while pushing on the inside? It usually seems to require one more hand than I have. I have one implement with a pin that pushes in from the side to release, and man is that easier than trying to push and pull at the same time.

 

[Runner]

Gotta agree with Charles, having to push and pull at the same time, particularly with something heavy like the drive shaft is a pain.

OK, this may sound a little strange, but for me, I've found hooking up the shaft to be a LOT easier if I approach from the left side (looking forward). Must have something to do with me being right handed, right arm being a little stronger or whatever, but when I try to do it from the right, I just can't seem to ever get in the right position to make it work.

 

[Charlie175]

Makes sense.....

Charlie,

I think its that the risk is so small but the consequences are so disasterous that you don't take ANY chances- Like never pointing a gun at something you don't want to shoot, even though you just unloaded it.

John

 

[Soundguy]

If the PTO isn't engaged then what is the fear of hooking up with the tractor on? It won't suddenly change its mind and turn on.

remember.. not all tractors have a mechanical lever engaged pto.. some have hyd clutch packs.. some have electric switches that engage hyd clutch packs... while the risk is super low.. it's not too much of a stretch to see an electric switch short, or a hyd valve bleed and allow the pto engaged.. if so.. I don't want to be holding on to the pto.. or straddling it...

soundguy