Attaching pto implements

[eco88]

Is there a trick to attaching pto implements to the pto? Sliding the collar onto the shaft?
I always find it a PIA to connect the 2. Various implements. The collar almost never lines up with the shaft. Then I have to play with the switch for several minutes, turn it on and off, until the shift rotates just right to slide the collar on.
I'm can't turn the implement collar generally, or turn the implement gear box.. too heavy/difficult. Then I'm stuck playing with the pto switch.
Is there an easier method I'm not seeing? Would be nice if one could put the pto in "neutral" so I can turn the shaft by hand.

I use the finishing mower, stump grinder, chipper, tiller etc.

kioti tractor.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

That sounds like a PIA. I only hook up a brush hog, easy enough to turn pto driveshaft by hand.

 

[JohnP3616]

I keep the shaft and collar well oiled. Turn the shaft with my hand until they line up, pull the collar back and slide the shaft forward. Boom, Bob’s your uncle. Oil is my friend and my very bestest friend is Lucas gun oil.

 

[oldnslo]

Usually you can turn the shaft by putting a bar through the u-joint and rotate it slightly that way. With some of the newer style shields that is getting harder to do.

Another possible option is will the tractor PTO shaft spin by hand if the engine is off?

 

[5030]

Every tractor I've ever seen or owned, the PTO stun will rotate at least 1/4 turn to line up the male splines to the mating female splines on the driven shaft and I keep the driven shaft collar lubed with oil so it slides back easily.

When not in use I keep the PTO stub covered with a slide on cover that I apply grease inside so the splines stay lubricated. I've never had to rotate any of my implement shafts to align the PTO stub as the free rotation always allows for alignment.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

What seems to work for me. I put the attachment on and then last thing is the PTO shaft. If it isn't lined up, I lift it and that usually allows me to slightly turn the pto shaft and get alignment.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use only a dry graphite lube. Oils or grease collects dust & dirt which hardens after heat and time, making it more difficult to remount.
I've heard that another solution that works is to buy a tractor for each implement, then you don't have to change or remove them !

 

[wawajake]

Don't most tractors have a lever to take rear pto out of service ( eg change from rear pto to mid pto) my Kubota I just put lever out of rear pto position and then I can spin it by hand to line up with driveshaft spline and click in driveshaft, then board the tractor and put lever into rear pto position....away we go, until I realized this implements like rototiller or brushhog were a bear !

 

[Jstpssng]

As others have mentioned, keep your splines greased. I use 00 grease which has worked well over the years. I also apply some to the shaft itself, so that it expands and compresses easily. On my Kubota the PTO stub rotates freely when disengaged, making it easier to line up the splines.

 

[Willman]

I can put my pto in the neutral position, I turn the shaft easily by hand to line up
I have more trouble pushing the detent pin in against the spring pressure on the shaft collar