How do I remove my 2360 snow blower PTO?

[dnw64]

The bolt that holds the quick hitch was most stubborn.

I sprayed both sides liberally with PB Blaster several times over the course of a week.

Then I tried hammering the welded bar with a 3# sledge several times each time I sprayed more on.

Finally on Saturday it moved a little. So I hammered it about 1/4 turn and put more PBB on.

This morning I finally got it off. Had to hammer it about 6-8 turns before I could move it with a wrench. The problem is that you can't get any kind of extension/cheater because of the angle and things in the way.

When I got it out I noticed what looked like the remains of a cross-drilled hole in the bolt, about 1/8" diameter. I haven't had a chance to really clean it up yet so I can't be sure just what it is. First thought was it's for a roll pin or cotter key, but there is no complementary hole in the "nut" (rectangular hunk of steel) that it goes into. I was wondering if it has a piece of nylon or something like that in it so that the bolt can't turn freely, sort of like a locking mechanism. The bolt turns very freely all the way down to that point (not quite all the way through the plate), same from both sides, so it's not the plate.

One other note: While the bolt was tight in the "nut", the play was not completely taken up. There was about 1/16" slop. I am assuming that normally, this connection should be tight, with no slop.

 

[blackd]

"When I got it out I noticed what looked like the remains of a cross-drilled hole in the bolt, about 1/8" diameter." Your guess is correct. They have a sacrificial nylon/plastic pin in that hole which is meant to add friction to those course threads.

As far as the play, if the Quick-Attach mf 236 snow blower quick-attach - Bing images does not move on the frame then I don't think your play is important. I might also be misinterpreting your comment.

 

[dnw64]

Your guess is correct. They have a sacrificial nylon/plastic pin in that hole which is meant to add friction to those course threads.

That makes sense. Thanks.

As far as the play, if the Quick-Attach does not move on the frame then I don't think your play is important.

It did. It was as it had not been tightened properly, or come loose over 10+ years. Just seemed strange that it was "loose" and yet so "tight" I couldn't get it off. My guess is that it loosened up over the first few years and then rust took over to lock it into place.

 

[irvingj]

"My guess is that it loosened up over the first few years and then rust took over to lock it into place."

Sounds right. Mine has NO play in it when I'm done tightening up that T-bar bolt. I use a hammer for the last 1/2 turn or so. Never noticed the nylon "pin," but never looked for it either.

BTW, here's what mine looks like currently. After 9 years of use, time for some major fixin' up:

 

[blackd]

Irvingj, did you ever get that wing attached to the blower? How fast do you need to go to get the lift needed? Is it to reduce wear on the skid shoes? ;-)

 

[irvingj]

Hey-- highway snowplows have wings, don't they?? :laughing:

Have made some repairs to that wing, but still have a few more to make... the other wing, waiting its turn, hangs above.

Swapped my scraper blade around yesterday and threw on some gloss black paint on the inside of the blower housing. Next, I'm going to try again to line the impeller drum with UHMW polyethylene.. THIS time with steel countersunk rivets every 5" or so. That oughta keep it in place! :thumbsup: Last time I had it attached with only 4 screws, two on each end. Caught a rock and....

BTW, that scraper bar was a $20 purchase from a local steel supplier, including the 6 square holes. Factory replacement? $50+. :cool2:

 

[dnw64]

BTW, that scraper bar was a $20 purchase from a local steel supplier, including the 6 square holes.

What local source is that? And did they have stock with the holes at the right spacing, or did they have to punch them for you? I need to replace mine before next winter.

Thanks,
David

 

[irvingj]

Barker Steel/Harris Rebar in West Canaan, right on Rte 4. They charged extra for the holes, but I believe total was $20.

Impeller lining now complete, blower back together. Lottsa 1/8" steel rivets to hold it in place. We'll see how that works out next winter -- assuming we're done with snow for this year...? (I THINK we're safe now.)

 

[dnw64]

Barker Steel/Harris Rebar in West Canaan, right on Rte 4.

Thanks!