Bush Hog 286 with slip clutch...how to get the pivot bolt out

lgshaffer · Jul 13, 2013

I have a Bush Hog 286 with slip clutch....got the front half off by removing the 8 nuts, springs, and bolts...but need to get the other yolk off...but am unable to get the "pivot bolt" out....removed the nut and washer and have sprayed WD40 on the bolt and hit and hit and hit with a punch, but it will not move....any help would be appreciated.this pivot bolt needs to come out to get the yolk off of the spine to put one of the clutch linings on that side, then put the yolk back onto the spline and reassemble the front half...

Zebrafive · Jul 13, 2013

Try turning the bolt to break it loose.

lgshaffer · Jul 13, 2013

Thanks....but the "pilot bolt" does not have a head...it is a "formed" or "shaped" type of bolt that the "fat end" fits entirely into the "hole" so the only end that is showing is the threaded end...the bolt is formed so that it fits into the "groove" of the spline of the gearbox. I think that I will try hitting the yoke end toward the back to make sure the bolt is not jammed...this will have to be tomorrow..

Coyote machine · Jul 13, 2013

Can you post pics of where you're at? It would help us better understand your dilemma.

lgshaffer · Jul 13, 2013

Will get pictures tomorrow....equipment is not at my present location...

JasG · Jul 13, 2013

You may wish to try heating with a torch, even just a propane one. Then spray with something like PB Blaster or a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF. Let it sit for a while and then heat again and try hitting it.

The heating the 1st time is to try and draw the fluid in around the bolt. The 2nd time is to hope that the hole expands more than the pin. Don't need it cherry red, just a little hotter than you would want to touch.

RickB · Jul 14, 2013

Put the nut back on it so it is flush with the end of the bolt (if you haven't already damaged the bolt threads). Then hit it hard enough to dislodge it. The bolt is wedged against the clutch support and a groove in the shaft (by design).
We had a similar thread here a couple months back where a bunch of guys that didn't know specific details of this type of clutch mounting offered all manner of worthless tips and advise. Leave the heat and chemicals out of the mix and get out a decent sized hammer and go to work.

Ken · Jul 14, 2013

RickB said:
Put the nut back on it so it is flush with the end of the bolt (if you haven't already damaged the bolt threads). Then hit it hard enough to dislodge it. The bolt is wedged against the clutch support and a groove in the shaft (by design).
We had a similar thread here a couple months back where a bunch of guys that didn't know specific details of this type of clutch mounting offered all manner of worthless tips and advise. Leave the heat and chemicals out of the mix and get out a decent sized hammer and go to work.

Also go to Bush Hog /Manuels and they will have a well written articles clearly showing the pto shaft. and listing of parts. for slip clutch.
Rick B I agree it is a swedge bolt only needs to be tight enough not to move some think it has to be driven all way to shaft surface.
ken

SPYDERLK · Jul 14, 2013

Its actually a taper pin with threads on one end to pull it into the hole using the nut. ... OP - Iv got to ask ... Which end have you been using the punch on?
larry

JRobyn · Jul 16, 2013

Any progress OP?

BTW, welcome to TBN (hope some of these replies have helped at least a little)!

I'm interested in your outcome since I will likely soon be replacing the friction disks in my 286 and also have the "pivot bolt" type of clutch attachment. I ran the clutch a little too loose and my bushhog operator (wife) didn't notify me that the hog "wasn't working quite right" until after she had hogged for a couple of hours.

- Jay