Broke PTO Shaft to my 4' rotary cutter, recomend?

flakrat · Oct 8, 2005

Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Howdy, I busted the PTO shaft that connects my 4' rotary cutter to the PTO spline on my tractor. It split right where the PTO shaft slides together.

I need to get a new one but don't want to buy a cruddy one. Anyone have a recommended brand / model?

Also, are there any good places online to order one? Thanks, Mike

Inspector507 · Oct 8, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Check here
AgriSupply

Soundguy · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Northern equipment, and TSC both sell them.. I'm sure many of the local tractor dealers do as well.

If you have a tsc.. run in and take a look. Probably cheaper once you figure shipping.

Soundguy

BB_TX · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

I am wondering if your shaft was long enough. How much over lap did you have between the two sliding shaft pieces?

flakrat · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Hey Bill, I was wondering the same thing. I'm guessing that there was about 1 1/2 to 2" of overlap. I also noticed that the end of the larger shaft (the one that the smaller shaft slides into) was deformed at the end, almost like the inside shaft was wallowing it out.

I inherited this 4' rotary cutter and PTO shaft, so I don't know if they are an original pair. I would guess not, since the shaft is yellow and the cutter is red.

How much overlap should there be at a minimum?

BB_TX · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

1 1/2" - 2" ain't much. The PTO shaft will extend and contract as you raise and lower the cutter. I would check what the shortest length is as you raise/lower the cutter and then plan your PTO shaft for the maximum overlap at that shortest length without bottoming out. Maybe a couple inches clearance. You may have to buy a shaft that is a little too long and cut it to the proper length.
If the yellow is the plastic protective cover, that is a normal color for that safety shield.

tawilson · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Don't forget to make it short enough so once it is hooked up to the tractor, you can shorten it up enough to slide over the pto shaft on the tractor.

normde2001 · Oct 10, 2005

Re: Broke PTO Shaft to my 4\' rotary cutter, recomend?

Here is another source. You can either purchase the whole shaft, or just the shaft and tube, and piece it together, (it's pinned). No matter which way you go you will have to cut it to length.