3PH/PTO Hookup Newbie Questions

[KennK]

I've had a JD 3320 since this past spring, but have not really needed to hook up 3PH implements yet. All my work has been with the FEL and the MMM, though I did buy the Pat's Easy Change connectors and have hooked up my few implements just to move them around. I'm kind of embarassed to admit that my JD dealer didn't go through 3PH hookup procedures. I've figured out much of it through tial and error and lots of web searches, but still have a few questions, so please bear with me.

(1) I assume I hook up the 3 points BEFORE I try to connect the PTO shaft. Correct?

(2) When hooking up the lower arms, I'm trying to figure how when/why I'd need to screw in/out the adjustable length lower arm on the right side. Ideas? Maybe I'll just know it when I get into that situation.

(3) Regarding the PTO shaft, the two end connectors of the PTO shaft that came with my seed/fertilizer spreader look the same - is there a tractor end and an implement end? or not?

(4) The PTO connectors lock using a small pushbutton-like pin. Pushing the button in slides a pin to the side which allows the connector to slide onto the PTO splines. This is quite different from a connector on the MMM on my previous JD 425 MMM (haven't check the 3320 MMM yet, though will remove it soon) that had a collar that was slid back before attaching/disconnecting. Are there several types of PTO connectors? Are these the two main kind?

(5) Maybe this is silly, but is it usually easier to connect the tractor end of the PTO shaft first and then the implement end, or visa versa?

(6) This is the real puzzler for me. The PTO shaft has two chains, one on each end. One end of each chain is clipped onto eyelets on each end of the PTO shaft shield. Right now, as given to me from the JD dealer, the chains are wrapped around the shaft shield and the clips on the other ends of each chain are simply fastened the the clips already on the shield eyelets. I know these chains are intented to keep the PTO shield from spinning, but where in the heck to I fasten the free ends of the two chains? Am I supposed to connect them both to someplace on the tractor? Maybe one connects to the tractor and the other to the implement? Any hints for good locations for connecting them?

I honestly can't believe this stuff isn't covered better in the tractor's/implement's owner's manuals or somewhere on the JD web site.

Thanks so very much,

Ken K.

 

[oscer]

Hi Ken, Sometimes its a strugle hookin up implements. I dont have a quick hitch. I'll try to answer your questions though.
1 I usually back up to about 4to 6 in. away from where pins line up and hook up my PTO first then back up and hook up TPH. Sometimes the shaft won't telescope far enough to let me get it on once TPH is connected.
2 It levels the implement from side to side.
3 Most of my modern implements have same shaft as tractor, but you may run into some that are different.
4 Yes, collars are alot easier to work with, you can pull the collar no matter which way the shaft is turned.
5 I always let shaft attached to implement and disconnect from tractor, but I can see where sometimes there's not much room between tractor and implement you may want to do it the other way.
6 I hook them around the lift arm of the TPH.
Hope some of this is helpful.

 

[dirtworksequip]

1) Everyone probably does it different. I get close to the implement then hook up the PTO shaft first. Then the 3 point.

2) Level your implement with the adjustable side.

3) If they are the same, doesn't matter.

4) Yes, these are the two main type. Alwasy make sure your push the shaft collar past the detent in the tractor PTO shaft to make sure it in locked on. If it slides off during operation it can do serious damage.

5) I leave the pto shaft on the implement and connect to the tractor, never thought about disconnecting both ends???

 

[BloomingtonMike]

I only have a tiller that uses PTO so I had similar questions earlier this year. I know hook up my tiller the same way as the above posters.

 

[browns40]

I do the same... with #6, one goes on the tractor & the other on the implement to keep the shield from spinning.

It is easier to hook up the tractor end for me... then back up & slide the 3pt arms on.

 

[JWaterstreet]

To add to the other posters, I usually hook up PTO first. On a couple of implements, it is almost impossible to hook up PTO last as it doesn't retract enough to get it over the end of the PTO shaft.

 

[Dutch445]

so much good real world advice!
if you were to look on the pto shaft, on the shielding there should
be a graphic stamped in it with a picture of a tractor and an
arrow indicating which end goes on the tractor. It may not be
critical on your spreader, but on an implement with a slip clutch you
certainly would want that down by the gearbox.

One other note.. make sure when attaching implements, that the
drive shaft (PTO shaft) isn't too long. Most manufacturere ship a
long generic shaft with their implement, which may need to be cut
to proper length before use. If not, and the shaft is too long, when the
implement is raised the shaft can push into the tractor and cause damage
to the pto or transmission housing. Watch your driveshaft carefully
and lift the implement, and see if the 2 shaft halves "bottom out" before
the implement is fully raised.

Pat's easy change is a great product, makes this whole process a lot easier!

 

[RalphVa]

I'm kinda new (about 2 years) at this but have several implements and 2 of them with shafts. Here are the answers based on my experience.

(1) I always back up very close to the implement and hopefully have it on castors or a dolly or pieces of wood to easily move it. First, I have to loosen the turnbuckles. Then I place the non-adjustable arm onto its pin and secure it. Then I go around and put the other arm in place, adjusting it to line up if necessary (usually do). Then I connect the top link. THEN I raise the PTO shield and put the PTO onto the tractor shaft. THEN tighten the turnbuckles. I use shock cords from one side of each turnbuckle run up to something solid on the tractor to keep them from turning once tight. Mine came with tiny cotter pins for this purpose, but I think I pissed on them and then threw them away, or threw them down and pissed on them; don't remember.

(2) You'll see when you need to. You may have to readjust it later to level the implement.

(3) I think they're the same. I've never had mine disconnected from their implements. Each implement needs its own length of PTO shaft.

(4) I've ones with both the push button and the collar. I HATE the collar, because it has bad ergonomics, e.g. you have to pull the collar back when you're wanting to push the PTO onto the shaft. Seems silly. The push button, to me, is MUCH easier to use. I don't know why, but that PTO shaft on the tractor looks symetrical, but it seems to only want to accept the PTO from the implement in only one spot. It's aggravating sometimes. I always clean the shaft off and reapply white grease, too. Put your PTO shaft selector in "forward" PTO location, if you have it, or in neutral. Then you can turn the PTO shaft by hand. Handy sometimes.

(5) It's probably easier to connect to the tractor first before the implement is in place. However, how does one then hold the shaft up to go to the proper place on the implement when backing into place? On my brush hog, I use a chain or shock cord to hold the shaft up approximately in place as I'm backing up to the brush hog. Otherwise, I'm afraid it might flop off to the side and bind up somewhere. A shock cord is nice, as it'll help you to hold some of the weight of the PTO shaft while you're connecting it. A chain will do this, too, if you can find the right link to put it on to not be too high nor too low.

(6) I've only had a single chain. Just fasten it to something off to the side, to keep the shield from spinning.

Ralph

 

[oscer]

I should have thought of this the other day in original reply. When you shift the PTO selector to mid shaft it lets you turn rear shaft to line up spline. So simple you probably already thought of it, but I remember tryin' to turn the tiller shaft until this dawned on me.