My Stupidity kicked in at full throttle.

[RayIN]

I think I can swing $11 for a new one if I lost the original.

i would think that would hold moisture around the splines and cause rust to buildup.
Since about 1956 my dad nor I ever had a tractor spline covered, never had one rust-up or get dinged-up either.

 

[masseyrider]

My PTO shafts are never covered. When I get a new tractor first thing gone is the PTO cover.
Most I ever do is spray them with WD40 and wipe them with a rag before attaching an implement shaft. Also a shot of WD40 in the receiving end.
What's the big deal otherwise.
Never had an issue.
I'm mid 60s and been attaching things to a PTO for over 50 years without a problem.

 

[Jstpssng]

i would think that would hold moisture around the splines and cause rust to buildup.

That's why I grease it.

 

[tradosaurus]

i would think that would hold moisture around the splines and cause rust to buildup.
Since about 1956 my dad nor I ever had a tractor spline covered, never had one rust-up or get dinged-up either.

The cover keeps dust and dirt away from the spline and as long as the spline as plenty of grease there shouldn't be any moisture or rust.
The cover came with the tractor and there is no reason NOT to use it.

 

[WinterDeere]

The cover keeps dust and dirt away from the spline and as long as the spline as plenty of grease there shouldn't be any moisture or rust.
The cover came with the tractor and there is not reason NOT to use it.

I'll have to pull out my manual at some point, if anyone even cares, but I seem to remember it says to keep that spined stub greased and covered when not in use.

 

[mllud]

There is an product called "Fluid Film" that works well. Its a lanolin-based product that is sold in spray or brush on. I buy it by the gallon to protect my machine tools from condensation rust. Also, on my grader blade.

Most p.t.o. stubs do need some protection especially left outdoors and not covered. Grease or rust preventative product. Not WD 40, it doesn't stay.

 

[LouNY]

The cover keeps dust and dirt away from the spline and as long as the spline as plenty of grease there shouldn't be any moisture or rust.
The cover came with the tractor and there is no reason NOT to use it.

Many if not most of the tractors I've owned, operated or been around didn't have one and most did not come with one.

 

[tradosaurus]

Many if not most of the tractors I've owned, operated or been around didn't have one and most did not come with one.

And your point? If mine came with a spline cover there is no reason to throw it away. Kubota felt the need to provide one.

 

[WinterDeere]

Many if not most of the tractors I've owned, operated or been around didn't have one and most did not come with one.

I suspect most came with one, but were lost. Even the old Ford 9N, 2N, and 8N (1939 - 1952?) had them, and I can clearly remember the OEM cover on my buddy's old Ford 3000 (1960's). My next door neighbor's 1940's Ford N-series also has one.

Ford N-series PTO cover:

 

[Jstpssng]

I suspect most came with one, but were lost. Even the old Ford 9N, 2N, and 8N (1939 - 1952?) had them, and I can clearly remember the OEM cover on my buddy's old Ford 3000 (1960's). My next door neighbor's 1940's Ford has one.

Ford N-series PTO cover:

View attachment 3131677

My father's 4400 had one.
Never mind when it's not in use; I keep the winch on most of the time except during spring and fall when I need to till the garden, or the occasional occasion when I need the backhoe or back blade. I keep it greased because I don't want the implement adhering to the tractor.