How to use FEL to carry 500lbs up driveway?

[gwdixon]

Grab the middle of the shaft and rock it or shake it. There should be no movement at all - it should be as solid feeling as a one-piece shaft.

An option for a test would be to dismount the chipper from the Quick Hitch, remove the Quick Hitch from the system, and back the tractor up to the chipper's shaft - thus compressing the shaft and fully engaging the two shaft pieces.

Do this only to test for vibration and not as an option for doing actual chipping. Also, don't run it at too high RPMs while detached from the tractor.

If you have something else that successfully uses the PTO, a tiller or mower perhaps, try its shaft on the tractor/chipper if the ends are compatable.

(You might want to start a new thread on this topic to get more input since the issue in the original post has been solved.)

 

[racolton]

1) Make sure the universal joints on the PTO shaft are "in phase". I'm not sure if PTO shafts are keyed so they can only be put together one way - if they aren't, the U-joints might be 90 degrees off from each other. Best way to explain this is a picture (See attached.)

2) Adjust the top link so the input shaft of the chipper is parallel with the PTO shaft.

If the joints are in phase and the shafts are parallel, then it should be able to operate at 540 RPM through a wide range of angles.

 

[mow4fun]

Well, I checked and rechecked. The shaft has notches on it and it is definitly in the right position. The shaft when hooked to both ends is as solid as can be and is in phase.

The only thing is the angle as apposed to be completely parallel/horizontal.

Also, the length if the shaft is concerning where maybe it is beyond it's max length and not enough overlap is left. I will try to remove the Quick Hitch and test it without it to see if it changes things.

 

[gwdixon]

Sorry you are having so much trouble with the chipper. It sounds like you were really looking forward to it. It should be running like a sewing machine.

The people on here will try their best to help out. In the end you may have to call the manufacturer with some of the issues. Doing the diagnostics as you are will help with the process.

 

[mow4fun]

Well, solved. It definitly was the shaft is over extended.

I removed the Quick Hitch and re-attached and run as designed.

I'll and see if I can get a longer shaft or an exchange so I can use the Quick Hitch or it will be for sale very soon at a really good price.

 

[gwdixon]

Great news. I was starting to take it personally. It doesn't make sense to feel that way of course.

My advice is to get rid of the Quick Hitch since it doesn't fit your blade and is designed for only a specific spacing between the lift pins. The Pat's works well but the PTO shaft may be extended too far with that product as well.

Those PTO shafts are not cheap. Occassionaly one can be found on eBay for a reasonable price + shipping.

 

[rpraymond]

Glad it all worked out. Now it's time to update your signature!

 

[mow4fun]

Updated.

Quick review:

We had 45 degree weather today and was perfect for going through a large pile of branches and sticks, I have two more to do. This chipper was incredible, it took everything I threw at it. I even put in couple of large branches at 4" to 4.5" and it did a great job. It did bog down a bit but it kept going and ate them all up.

 

[radioman]

Thanks for the update- I suspected it was strong enough for a chipper even with thick pieces. glad you loved it! did you run it at rated rpm or what ?

 

[mow4fun]

I ran the tractor at highest RPM, I actually assumed that is what it needs to achieve the rear PTO speed of 540??

The CH45540 is also a belt driven unit where you need to engage it after you start the rear PTO.