Metric PTO driveshaft??

[pwise]

I am a novice when it comes to tractor implements, so please pardon my ignorance.

I purchased a used Howse rotary cutter for use behind my Kubota BX2350. After getting it home, it became readily apparent that the supplied PTO shaft assembly is essentially useless. Not only is it missing any shield components (which I've since learned is an important safety feature), but the retaining pin/mechanism on the tractor side yoke spline is damaged beyond repair and would require replacing the yoke. I've since then resigned myself to the probability that the best decision is to invest in a new PTO drive shaft assembly.

My setup has the 540, 6 spline at the tractor end and has a shear pin connection at the implement end. My question stems from ads I've seen that call out shaft assemblies as either Metric or standard. How do I tell what I need? Or, for my purposes (since I'm replacing the whole thing), does it make a difference as long as the yokes of the new shaft will fit my tractor & implement. I understand the need to measure & possibly cut to proper length, but is the fact that the shaft is metric important for reasons other than repair or replacing of u-joints, etc.?

Thanks.

 

[PSDStu]

If you don't have a Howse dealer nearbye, then why not just look on the Howse website for the model cutter you have, locate the part number and call them?

I have ordered parts from them before and they are very helpful.

Stu

 

[Renze]

Tractor PTO shafts are all standardised in inch sizes.
The U-joints i dont know, in Europe there is Walterscheid and Comer, Walterscheid is more or less the standard, but parts can be swapped with Comer for most build ranges. Then Comer has some heavy duty types that are not interchageable.

Our Claas rake also has a special tube profile (light duty) only used by Claas.

 

[greg_g]

Since the BX2350 was made for the US market, you probably don't have to shop metric. Three dimensions concern you; (1) diameter of tractor PTO output shaft, (2) diameter of implement transmission input shaft, (3) distance between the two.

Since you have a SCUT, (1) it might have a six spline 1-1/18" diameter PTO output shaft. But measure to make sure, because standard size is 1-3/8". You may need an adapter before making the third measurement below. If there are more than six splines, stop now.

Next determine the diameter of (2), and note whether it's smooth or splined. That determines the type PTO shaft you purchase. The third measurement determines the length of the shaft you purchase. They come in standard lengths. Some folks get lucky, and get one that will fit the tractor-implement combination right outa the box. But be prepared to cut the new purchase to fit.

That said, you can also repair your damage PTO shaft (unless it's already too short). Take it to a farm store, where you can buy replacement yokes and cut-to-fit PVC safety covers. Alternatively, see http://www.agrisupply.com/pto-shafts-accessories/c/3500000/c2c/ln/ and click "View All"

//greg//

 

[pwise]

Thanks for all the replies. Especially Gregs, which reinforced what I thought I had figured out in the mean time. I purchased a whole new drive shaft which should be in this week.