JD 2210 bent or misaligned rear PTO shaft

[JDLou]

Although I have been reading these discussions for some time and have found them very useful and informative, I am a newly registered user and this is my first post. Unfortunately, my registration was prompted by an apparent problem with the rear PTO shaft on my 2003 JD 2210. I decided after renting a tiller to examine my rear pto while spinning by placing weight on the seat and engaging. The PTO appears "off axis" by maybe 1 or 2mm at the very rear of the shaft, but its readily noticeable and is probably an issue. I cannot tell if the shaft is actually bent or has somehow been knocked off axis and is seated in the bearings incorrectly. Has anyone faced a similar problem with the 2210 or any other model? If so, I realize that for most people, and definitely for me, that's something I'm going to have to have my dealer fix, but what's involved? Is this a hugely expensive problem? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. On a happier note, I'm glad to be up and running on this forum. Thank you for any thoughts.

JDLou

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum.
Just a guess, but I would think it would have to be bent, and not 'off axis' as the bearing and seal wouldn't allow it without having some major oil leak.

Can you put a dial gage on it to see how 'out of round' it is?

Dealer involvment time.

 

[JDFANATIC]

JDLou,

You're tractor is ~ 2 years old -- around the warranty period. I would think this would be covered under it. If you've nerver used the rear PTO until now, kept the cover on it, I would think JD would fix this. Talk to your dealer and let us know how you make out.

 

[Partsman2]

I've been tractoring for 20 years and have never heard of a bent rear PTO shaft. I can't imagine how it could get bent unless it's been put in a heck of a bind at some time. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Have you tried hooking up the drive shaft and turning the tiller with it? That would really tell the story. If it's bent that much I'd think you would have trouble sliding the shaft coupler on the shaft. Also, if you grab it with your hand and try to move it up and down do you feel any slop?

You can also put a dial indicator on it and check the runout on the end of the shaft. If it's out 1-2MM (.039"-.079") I would say you have a serious problem. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It could also be an illusion.

 

[JDLou]

Beenthere,

Thank you for your reply. Your analysis seems logical in the sense that I think a true shift off axis would create an oil leak and I do not have one. Secondly, things do still sound like they're running pretty smoothly so I'd doubt I've got damaged bearings or else I'd be hearing something bad. Accoridngly, I'm more inclined to believe that it is bent, but, like Partsman2, I found that a pretty astounding scenario as well, though not impossible since, as anyone familiar with New England terrain knows, therr's a baseball-sized stone every 18 inches in virgin soil and the tiller did kick around some. I will try dial gage on it and see what I get.

Best regards,

JDLou

 

[JDLou]

JDFanatic:

Appreciate your thoughts. Unfortunately, my warranty expried Feb. 28, 2005. I've heard (on this board) of dealers doing work beyond the warrwnty period and getting it covered, but I'm disinclined to ask them to do so because they are a great dealer that's already been very accommodating with others issues. For instance, I had the same leak in the top link plate many were discussing on this forum a couple months ago and the dealer took it back and took care of everything, inclduing pick up and delivery. They're just real good people and I don't want to ding the relationship. While I am disinclined to ask for coverage, I will certainly accept it gratefully if they offer. I've used the rear PTO before and have no reason to believe the problem existed before this past week with the tiller rental. Therefore, it is probably not something I should reasonably expect Deere to cover.

Thanks again,

JDLou

 

[JDLou]

Partsman2,

See reply to beenthere for replies to some of your points. As for the others:

Don't have the tiller any longer since it was a rental, but did hook up my spreader and did not have much trouble sliding the shaft coupler on. Also, yes, I did try moving the shaft around with my hand (while not spinning, of course /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif) and there is no slop.

I thought it might be an illusion at first as well and cleaned the shaft off to make sure I was not looking at asymmetical dirt, grease or debris spinning. I also looked at the mid PTO shaft and that looked dead on center. I am pretty well convinced it is not an illusion, although I'd love to learn that it is.

Regards,

JDLou

 

[beenthere]

I'd say let your dealer know of your concern. Let him decide if its a warranty issue that he can cover. Good dealers continue to be good dealers, and want the opportunity to keep you happy. It also keeps their shop busy, if indeed it is a warranty problem on their books.
If you still don't want to press them for a fix, then they will look at you as not being pushy, and it will further solidify your good relationship with them. Great that you both keep happy.

I also cannot imagine the stub being bent, but further investigation will help you sort it out.

 

[jd110]

If you never noticed the bent shaft before running the tiller, I would suspect the tiller might have had a driveshaft that was too long. If the telescoping shaft can not shorten enough, it will put end thrust on the shaft when you raise and lower the tiller. Were you able to connect the driveshaft after all three pins were connected to the three point hitch? If there was not enough room to connect the shaft while the tiller was connected at all three points, I would suspect that as the cause. If that is the case, you may be able to get the rental place to pay for the repair.

 

[fgross335_2210]

There was a post on ytmag.com that was very similar. A guy running a 60" tiller on a 2210. The tiller hit a couple of rocks and all was well. The next rock hit caused a terrible noise. He shut it down and found that the PTO shaft was off center by 10-15 degrees. It still turned but was no longer aligned correctly. Also, he could no longer move the PTO selection lever, indicated internal damage. He took it to the dealer, and they indicated that other 2210's had come in with the same problem. Based on this info I'm left with the impression that the 2210 PTO is somewhat fragile in high-load situations (tiller) and that a slip clutch is mandatory to protect internal components.

I would take it to the dealer asap and make a big noise about it. In any case don't run the rear PTO, your problems will only get worse and more expensive to fix!

Good luck!