Top link pin fell out while mowing

[ransonjd]

Today was a bit of a downer. The top link pin fell out after a couple hours of mowing with my flail mower. I noticed it when I tried to raise the mower, and it started making a godawful noise. The mower fell backwards, the driveline hit the mower frame, and it started smoking at the ends before I got the PTO turned off.



What probably needs replacement? Nothing straight up broke, that I can tell, but I don't want to mess around with a safety hazard.

 

[oldballs]

I guess that's what they call..."chit happens". Glad nothing else broken nor were you hurt.
Cheers anyway,
Mike

 

[RickB]

If the shaft telescopes all you need is a safety shield.

 

[oosik]

I initially thought as RickB suggested. However - on second thought - - its probably best to take the entire PTO shaft to a facility that has equipment to check it out. It may cost a bit but then you are sure that you have a safe piece of equipment. I can envision one or both of the U-joints having been damaged and not holding up when you put the flail mower back into operation.

 

[TractorGuy]

First few times I used my new finish mower I was hunting to find the top pin that fell out. Tied a rope on it so it wouldn't get lost anymore and it quit coming out. Go Figure?

 

[LD1]

Start slow. Run the pto shaft starting at idle and working up. If there is no abnormal vibrations or runout (indicating it bent or damaged) then I'd probably just run it.

And if the safety shield still spins freely, I'd just leave it as is as well. :2cents:

 

[oosik]

I've become kind of chicken s**t when it comes to PTO shaft safety. I saw my neighbors son get his flannel shirt wrapped up in a PTO shaft and have most all the hide rubbed/burned off his forearm. He was exceptionally fortunate that he did not just loose his entire arm. He ended up with damaged muscles and one h-e-l-l of a scar.

 

[RickB]

I initially thought as RickB suggested. However - on second thought - - its probably best to take the entire PTO shaft to a facility that has equipment to check it out. It may cost a bit but then you are sure that you have a safe piece of equipment. I can envision one or both of the U-joints having been damaged and not holding up when you put the flail mower back into operation.

No special equipment is needed to check the shaft beyond a good pair of eyes and the experience to know what to look for. I’ve seen many, many dozens of shafts damaged this way. The first thing that happens is the shafting bends and binds. But verification won’t hurt if you are unsure.

I would be an advocate of a new shield anyway, take the whole thing to get it ordered.

 

[boomer1025]

Start slow. Run the pto shaft starting at idle and working up. If there is no abnormal vibrations or runout (indicating it bent or damaged) then I'd probably just run it.

And if the safety shield still spins freely, I'd just leave it as is as well. :2cents:

:thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

All my pins have a short length of chain or wire attached just to prevent unscheduled losses.
I even safety wire my 3 point adjustment turnbuckles since I learned that lesson.
PS, soft aluminum wire is great for that. (thanks to hydro crew)