extend PTO shaft

[jimmysisson]

Anyone welded on an extension to the 1" square male portion of a PTO shaft? I have a new-to-me implement and I need to add about 4" to the overlap. I think I have an old piece somewhere. The rest of the shaft and yokes and crosses are good. As long as it's straight when complete, should be fine, right?
Thanks, Jim

 

[MikeInEburg]

If you have internal support and make very pretty welds, you should be fine. I prefer a sure thing, so I'd simply replace the shaft with appropriate length. If you plan to use that same shaft with other implements, be sure that your mod doesn't make it too long for those other devices.

 

[BHD]

for 4 inches I do not see a problem is the welding is good, (most likely if 4 inches is all you need) you will not even be using the section that is welded. it is more for keeping the shaft together,

 

[zzvyb6]

TSC has PTO extenders that fit onto the tractor's PTO stub. Looks like they come up to about 10" even. If the implement has a PTO type spline on the gearbox, you can place it there.

I'd recommend an extender over a welded section to preserve the shaft's usefulness and prevent all likelyhood of it binding up.

 

[RoyJackson]

Agri-Supply also has what they call a PTO adapter, but it's actually an extender. Cost is about 20 bucks.
Pto Adapter 1-3/8 X6 Spline Male X 1-3/8X6 Spline Female Pto Adapter

The ones I've seen in TSC didn't have the spring pin lock. They did have a .25" hole drilled through. Those types are for old Ford tractors.

 

[Agent Blue]

This is the reason god made MIG welders. Taper the sides. If you have a lathe drill a hole for a pin to line it up perfectly. I have done this before and never gave it a thought. Unless your talking in excess of 100 hp its as good as new.

 

[Baby Grand]

Unless you are a highly skilled, certified welder, with a good working knowledge of the steel you'll be joining and it's heat treatment, i would go with the store bought extenders, as suggested by Roy. No sense risking complete shaft damage to save $20.

 

[Agent Blue]

Yes... Were building space ships here. Break out the titanium. Sounds like the college professors approach to buying a candy bar. One inch of steel encased in another half inch of steel. Whats the calamity if should fail in twenty years ? It is great there are consumers that wear a million dollars of life insurance and check their computers for rain before stepping outside ... but for the most of us " dare devils " live for expanding our knowledge and learning abilities. Why would I buy a six thousand dump trailer when I can build one for much less, and use my choice of updates ? There will always be buyers and builders. I built five homes by myself...... my mistake. I should have hired a professional and shouldering a huge debt .
Something as simple as a small square shaft, take a chance in life. Do something with satisfaction. Stir the creativity that rests in the back of your brain and most of all have fun. The best therapy in the world awaits the person standing over a pile of scrap metal.

 

[jimmysisson]

Thanks for all comments. I will mig the extension tubing and keep an eye on it.

 

[Baby Grand]

Yes... Were building space ships here. Break out the titanium. Sounds like the college professors approach to buying a candy bar. One inch of steel encased in another half inch of steel. Whats the calamity if should fail in twenty years ? It is great there are consumers that wear a million dollars of life insurance and check their computers for rain before stepping outside ... but for the most of us " dare devils " live for expanding our knowledge and learning abilities. Why would I buy a six thousand dump trailer when I can build one for much less, and use my choice of updates ? There will always be buyers and builders. I built five homes by myself...... my mistake. I should have hired a professional and shouldering a huge debt .
Something as simple as a small square shaft, take a chance in life. Do something with satisfaction. Stir the creativity that rests in the back of your brain and most of all have fun. The best therapy in the world awaits the person standing over a pile of scrap metal.

Nice. Glad you feel comfortable telling the OP to just do it when you know nothing about the circumstances. But then, you've got no skin in the game.