Aw !@#$%@ turned PTO shaft into licorice twist

ChrisJ · Jun 3, 2004

I'm a little concerned after reading this post. I have recently purchased my tractor and subsequently a rfm. The Landpride RFm came with a PTO shaft and I never cut it. I have used it half a dozen times and have never encountered any problems, although I don't want to buy another shaft if I'm doing something wrong. I don't want anything breaking if I can avaid a problem ahead of time. I guess my question is - Do you always have to cut the shaft?

hazmat · Jun 3, 2004

Do you always have to cut the shaft? 

Not always.

An easy way to check is to slowly cycle the three point hitch up & down & make sure that the shaft doesn't bind. It is at it's shortest when parallel to the ground.

mvoght · Jun 3, 2004

Hazmat,

Thanks for the directions to check the length. I'm a tiny bit concerned since I had the thing raised a bit when I engaged (another no-no I think).

I should have my new shaft tomorrow. They dropshipped it to me. I just gotta run a check or call in my credit card to pay for it.

Mel

hazmat · Jun 3, 2004

Thanks for the directions to check the length. I'm a tiny bit concerned since I had the thing raised a bit when I engaged 

You're welcome. Be sure to do it very slowly, if it looks like it is getting close (the cover on one side will contact the end of the other side) STOP!

The safest way to check the length is to seperate the shaft (it simply pulls apart). Plug on end onto the tractor & the other onto the mower. Raise the mower so that the shafts are parallel (you'll have to hold them up) and check the length. There should be about 2" minimum between then end of one and the universal on the other.

Check out this thread for more info & pictures

cutting pto shaft

mvoght · Jun 7, 2004

Ok, the new shaft came in the mail. I have a question. It is different. It looks like it has an additional round thing at the end...would this be a slip-clutch?

Does that go at the mower end or the tractor end? I'm guessing mower end, but I think I'll call the dealer and ask.

I'll try mowing again tonight. We'll see if I can get more than 1 circuit around the pastures.

Mel

em14 · Jun 7, 2004

The big round thing on the end sounds like a slip clutch and it does go on the mower end ... (This is very important) ... which must be adjusted ... You will need to accomplish at least two major things before you go and start cutting ... make sure the shaft is the right lenght and if it isn't you will more than likely have to cut both shafts to get it the right lenght. And number two you need to adjust the slip clutch ... read your manual with your cutter for the mfr's reccomendated methods for both setups. There are several threads on TBN about how to do both of these set ups. Just do a search.
Keep us posted on how you make out and if you have trouble and need more help please let us know.
Leo

stuart · Jun 8, 2004

No you do not need to always cut the shaft. It is best to have about 6" of overlap between the shaft pieces when the equipment is hooked up to the pto. Mark it with something while it is connected up and then take it apart to see how much overlap you have.

mvoght · Jun 8, 2004

( The big round thing on the end sounds like a slip clutch and it does go on the mower end ... (This is very important) ... which must be adjusted ... You will need to accomplish at least two major things before you go and start cutting ... make sure the shaft is the right lenght and if it isn't you will more than likely have to cut both shafts to get it the right lenght. And number two you need to adjust the slip clutch ... read your manual with your cutter for the mfr's reccomendated methods for both setups.)

Noooooo. OK, I didn't mow last night. I have to go research and find threads to print out to do adjustments now?!

I have a built in cat to deal with. Yes, building a farm and moving in before it is done has some risks. The cat found a hole from the unfinished stairs...into the space between the 1st and second floor. Stair guy came, installed last stairs, railing and left. A few hours later my stairs started meowing.

Why me? Why can't that blasted thing just be plug-n-play? Oh well, Off to research...but I'd happily accept links to existing threads /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

Mel

hazmat · Jun 8, 2004

Why me? Why can't that blasted thing just be plug-n-play? Oh well, Off to research...but I'd happily accept links to existing threads 

Here's a good thread

Cutting PTO Shaft

When my parent's were building their house, the cat got stuck in the heating system. Contracter had to take apart duct work to get him out.