BX24 MMM install

Compadre · Apr 27, 2008

I've only put the MMM on my BX24 a couple of times. Today after I attached the PTO shaft, I felt with my finger about 3/8 inch of the splines from the tractor's PTO. I don't know if the mower's PTO shaft is supposed to go all the way up the splines after the shaft's collar is put into place. I know the PTO is connected because when I pull on the mower's belts the PTO rotates. But I've also read the stories of shafts falling off while the PTO is spinning. Does anyone with a BX24 know how far up the splines the mower's shaft should be? I don't want to engage the mid-PTO until I know for sure. Thanks.

jruss · Apr 27, 2008

I have pretty much the same deck as you (BX2200) and the only way I know to check the shaft is to give it a couple of real strong tugs. If it doesn't pull off you have it locked in the grooves and should be safe to mow.

acohen100 · Apr 28, 2008

I don't recall being able to feel the splines after the PTO is on. Usually I get a good, solid "thunk" when the collar engages completely and then it feels solid and won't come off when I tug on it. Spinning the belts does not ensure that the collar is locked since the splines can be engaged without the collar being locked. This is something you definitely want to be sure about. There have been some horror story posts about holes in transmissions when PTO's come flying off at 2500 rpm.

newcountry · Apr 29, 2008

There is a small amount of space, the collar is not flush. Dont' know how much...

Compadre · Apr 29, 2008

Thanks, Eric. That's reassuring. It's a little detail that I had never checked before on my BX24. Your note, plus the yanks I gave the shaft that shook the tractor, will make me feel better when I cut grass this week.

KeithInSpace · Apr 29, 2008

Tugging on the shaft can be misleading...if you have it on part of the way, you could simply be pulling against resistance and the shaft isn't seated. When you get a few hours on the machine and things get good and caked up, this will be more and more true.

Two things:

First: There is some spline you can feel behind the collar after it is properly seated. Feeling some spline behind the shaft collar isn't a bad thing. (why does that sound dirty?)

Second: It is VERY important that the retaining collar click. There have been times when I've been in doubt if I heard it or not, so I take it back off and slide it on again. If you hear the click of the retainer going into the slot on the spline shaft, you're golden. (OK...still sounds a little dirty)

jruss · Apr 29, 2008

I just had another thought about being able to tell when the shaft is in the correct position, in any position but locked in the collar on the shaft would not be able to slide forward. If it slides forward it has to be locked on the output shaft.

Compadre · May 3, 2008

My shaft was NOT on properly. I discovered this by following the advice given here. Also, after I reattached the shaft, the space between the collar and the tractor was much less. I have finished mowing today without any problems. I hate to think what may have happened had I not received the suggestions of more experienced folks. It goes to show that simply following the manual will not necessarily prevent problems.

THANKS!!!