GC1705 MMM deck!

[edgarrian]

Yes I only use one hand. You need to put the tractor pto into neutral. So that it spins freely. Then grab the mower shaft and try sliding it on. Remember you do NOT have to pull back the mechanism to marry the two. It will slide on first, then pull back the mechanism to slide it on the rest of the way. IF the mower pto doesn't slide on right away. Just spin the tractor pto just a tad. I barely spin it and try again. The most its takin is 3 small turns. Spin is probably not the correct description. Turn it slightly. Id make a video of how I do but I'm away from home for work. I won't return for two weeks. Maybe someone else could provide a video.

I also pull back on it once its on so that it locks. Coldsteelva posted that and is correct. Always pull back on it.

Ed, I'm sure you're right. I haven't got the technique down pat yet, still fairly green with this tractor. Are you using one hand for all that?

 

[GeneV]

I'm gonna explain it the way I understand you do it, correct me if I'm wrong. You're holding the shaft from the deck with your left hand with your back 3 fingers, turning the pto spindle (in neutral) with thumb and index finger until you feel the shaft and spindle marry (slide on a little), and then you slide your hand back a little to grab the ring with thumb and index finger while the back 3 fingers are pulling the shaft onto the pto spindle?

 

[edgarrian]

I do not do all that at the same time. i use my left hand and grab the mower pto. I try sliding it on. If it doesn't slide on. I put the mower pto on the ground and use my left hand to turn the tractor pto a tad. Then I pick up the mower pto and try sliding it on. Fails again I repeat. Typically it doesn't take more than 3 times.

I'm gonna explain it the way I understand you do it, correct me if I'm wrong. You're holding the shaft from the deck with your left hand with your back 3 fingers, turning the pto spindle (in neutral) with thumb and index finger until you feel the shaft and spindle marry (slide on a little), and then you slide your hand back a little to grab the ring with thumb and index finger while the back 3 fingers are pulling the shaft onto the pto spindle?

 

[GeneV]

I'll try today (gotta mow if it don't rain), will report back.

 

[edgarrian]

Good luck. The way I have been doing it. I never think oh crap do i really need to take off the MMM. I don't even hesitate as I take mine off a lot. We have 8 acres of woods so I cut wood up a lot since we have a wood burner in the house. If I were you I would just undo my PTO and try the way I have described. You might do it successfully a few times. Once you get it down. Im sure it will be a huge relief

I'll try today (gotta mow if it don't rain), will report back.

 

[coldsteelva]

There is at least 1-inch of PTO in front of the locking groove in which to slide the shaft on. Then you can remove your hand completely - no weird feats of dexterity. Once it's there (the tractor is holding the weight of the shaft), you grip the collar, pull back and slide the shaft forward. I can do it one-handed, but kneel down and use 2 if necessary.