Barely Smokin'
Silver Member
Hi Bob,
I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with cutting the shaft down. That's the first thing I'd do. Cheap, easy, and bulletproof. My kinda fix.
Word of caution: if all this is "stock", it seems a little fishy that it doesn't work right "out of the box." Before you cut anything, you may want to connect it the hard way and simulate the geometry of the tractor/mower when the shaft will be at its longest. This will involve setting the top link adjustment where you want it, then driving the tractor's rear wheels up on some wheel ramps, etc. to simulate the tractor cresting a sharp hill. At this point, the shaft will be at its greatest extension. Mark it will a Sharpie, disconnect it, take it apart, and look at how much shaft you have left. If it doesn't look like you have enough shaft, I'd look at other potential issues before cutting it. Having a shaft come apart under power can't be good.
I'd consider the iMatch etc. if you had a wealth of attachments but the ROI doesn't seem like it's there if you're just dealing with a stubborn PTO shaft. I'm constantly changing 3PH attachments and, with practice, it's not a big deal. Just my .02. Other guys here like the easy change systems. They must have more money than me. ;-) Or maybe I have more time.
Once you've got the basic geometry sorted, the PTO hook up will go much easier if you keep everything clean and well-greased. I usually clean and brush my PTO connections with solvent a few times a year and then put a light coat of grease on everything. Pay particular attention to the spring-loaded pin on the female connection. I also buy WD-40 by the gallon and spray it all over everything in sight (including the bottom of the mower, which helps keep grass cuttings from accumulating there).
No worries on the stabilizer pins. A little slop there won't really hurt you, especially with a mower. Your draft links will move laterally a lot futher than the slop in those pins anyway. Just be sure to keep the pins tight, as they have a tendency to loosen.
Have fun!
I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with cutting the shaft down. That's the first thing I'd do. Cheap, easy, and bulletproof. My kinda fix.
Word of caution: if all this is "stock", it seems a little fishy that it doesn't work right "out of the box." Before you cut anything, you may want to connect it the hard way and simulate the geometry of the tractor/mower when the shaft will be at its longest. This will involve setting the top link adjustment where you want it, then driving the tractor's rear wheels up on some wheel ramps, etc. to simulate the tractor cresting a sharp hill. At this point, the shaft will be at its greatest extension. Mark it will a Sharpie, disconnect it, take it apart, and look at how much shaft you have left. If it doesn't look like you have enough shaft, I'd look at other potential issues before cutting it. Having a shaft come apart under power can't be good.
I'd consider the iMatch etc. if you had a wealth of attachments but the ROI doesn't seem like it's there if you're just dealing with a stubborn PTO shaft. I'm constantly changing 3PH attachments and, with practice, it's not a big deal. Just my .02. Other guys here like the easy change systems. They must have more money than me. ;-) Or maybe I have more time.
Once you've got the basic geometry sorted, the PTO hook up will go much easier if you keep everything clean and well-greased. I usually clean and brush my PTO connections with solvent a few times a year and then put a light coat of grease on everything. Pay particular attention to the spring-loaded pin on the female connection. I also buy WD-40 by the gallon and spray it all over everything in sight (including the bottom of the mower, which helps keep grass cuttings from accumulating there).
No worries on the stabilizer pins. A little slop there won't really hurt you, especially with a mower. Your draft links will move laterally a lot futher than the slop in those pins anyway. Just be sure to keep the pins tight, as they have a tendency to loosen.
Have fun!
