Hooking up PTO

Wooddust · Aug 14, 2010

I have a problem.

Wait, I'm Rodger and I have a problem.

Am I the only person who seems PTO Challenged? Good lord-a-mighty, it never ceases to amaze me how hard it is for me to slide the PTO shaft from darn near any PTO powered attachment onto the goldurn PTO.

There. If confession is good for the soul, Im on my way to a good day.

johnrex62 · Aug 14, 2010

Hi Rodger! :welcome:

Ahem....you do remember to push the post on the PTO shaft right? :mur:

k0ua · Aug 14, 2010

Well it is hard for all of us, but the more you do it the easier it becomes.

Some tips, keep it greased well, it actually helps, if you pto cover hood moves up, push it up to give a little more clearance for your hand, you would be suprised how much that helps, and watch the angle of the pto collar and get it pretty straight before you push it on. turn it a little as you shove it on to get the splines lined up. I am sure you have done all of these things, But is seems to me if I do it a lot it is pretty easy, then when the season rolls around for the cutter the first few times are hard again, like I have forgotten how to do this, and by the end of the mowing season, I am putting it on and off without a thought.
good luck
James K0UA

beenthere · Aug 14, 2010

First, be sure both the female and male ends are clear of wooddust.

I keep both parts clean with only a light spray of silicone lub, but for me any grease makes it messy to handle and collects dust/dirt that cakes and gets sticky.

Either have the attachment raised so you can turn the PTO to align the lands(grooves or slots), or leave the PTO stub in neutral. Alignment is critical, so one or the other has to move.

Align the shaft to the grooves and straight away, and slide together for about a 1/2" before pressing the button/post in all the way to allow sliding further (until the post will release meaning it is locked on).

Hope this helps. But for me, I removed the tractor-side PTO shield altogether. I see no earthly reason for it, as the days are long gone when a full PTO cover shield was used with the advent of the slip plastic covers on the shaft and over the u-joints.

TripleR · Aug 14, 2010

Hi Roger!

I have problem too and based on previous posts on this subject shows we are not alone.

Do a search and you will see; good luck.

Wooddust · Aug 14, 2010

Probably not helping that I have sweat running into my eyes, glasses are almost worthless, Im just on that ragged edge of mad....then the bugger wont go on....

Probably the only one with such an issue.

TripleR · Aug 14, 2010

Wooddust said:
Probably not helping that I have sweat running into my eyes, glasses are almost worthless, Im just on that ragged edge of mad....then the bugger wont go on....

Probably the only one with such an issue.

I have told this story before, but will again.

I am kind of old and feeble, so after my wife and I wrestled around with a PTO one day for way too long, we called our big strong son to come and "slip it on".

He pushed, pulled, sweat and furrowed his brow as he doesn't curse and then stopped looked at it a minute, bent down and "click" it seated. No rhyme or reason, it just connected.

I sure wish there was an easier way, but in 50 years, I haven't found it.

RPW · Aug 14, 2010

As been posted clean and lightly greased. Also check for metal burrs that could hamper the coupler sliding on the shaft. I like the idea of silicon lube and will have to try it.

Good luck and by the way welcome.

Wooddust · Aug 14, 2010

TripleR said:
I have told this story before, but will again.

I am kind of old and feeble, so after my wife and I wrestled around with a PTO one day for way too long, we called our big strong son to come and "slip it on".

He pushed, pulled, sweat and furrowed his brow as he doesn't curse and then stopped looked at it a minute, bent down and "click" it seated. No rhyme or reason, it just connected.

I sure wish there was an easier way, but in 50 years, I haven't found it.

I think its karma. Being a Swede, I can almost believe its trolls who are involved. Trolls contribute much to frustration in life.

I have walked away, cursing a blue streak, sat down, lit my pipe, had a drink then walk over get all strong and forceful, grab the coupler....and it slides on with no effort almost smashing my head into the back of the tractor.

Uff Da