Mid-PTO Shafts

Neophyte · Aug 25, 2006

As I stated in another thread, I'm thinking about adapting a JD 59" front mount snowblower and its framework from a JD 955 series tractor to my JD 3320. It should be pretty straight forward but I may require a longer mid-PTO shaft.

I have seen plenty of 540 RPM PTO shafts (1-3/8" 6-spline) out there for sale (I recently bought one) but I have not seen many 2000 RPM PTO shafts (1" 15-spline). Is there a good source out there for 1" 15-spline 2000 RPM mid-PTO shafts?

Neophyte · Aug 29, 2006

Second call.

ovrszd · Sep 4, 2006

Not sure this will help, but, mount the blower, then take accurate measurements for length. Take your existing shaft to any driveshaft building shop, and they can lengthen it for you. Standard rule of thumb is you can't have a shaft longer than 60" without using a carrier bearing. I have lengthened, shortened and built many Jeep driveshafts in my home shop. Not sure how handy you are in that regard. Sorry I'm not more help.

Neophyte · Sep 5, 2006

I plan to try mounting the snow blower in the coming weeks. I may find that it's a perfect fit or that I need to shorten it (easy). If I need to lengthen it, I may just have my brother weld on an extension as you mentioned. I'm hoping for the just right or too long scenario.

ovrszd · Sep 5, 2006

yeah, perfect fit would be first choice, too long would be second, too short would be last. I've saw people splice shaft to make them longer by cutting the tube and slipping a tube over it and welding it back. I've also saw people cut the shaft in two, then cut a piece of same size shaft to make up the shortage and butt weld them all together. I've never had the nerve to try that one. I'd go for a piece to slip over or inside the existing tube. Or like I said, have someone lengthen it for you with a new tube. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Neophyte · Sep 5, 2006

I would opt for the tube inside or tube outside method to help reenforce it and keep it straight. That means I would need to have a piece of this same shaft. I would have to find a used one, buy new or find a source for the raw shaft.

ovrszd · Sep 6, 2006

Neophyte said:
I would opt for the tube inside or tube outside method to help reenforce it and keep it straight. That means I would need to have a piece of this same shaft. I would have to find a used one, buy new or find a source for the raw shaft.

Yeah, I don't know what size shaft you are working with, but I've saw common steel pipe sizes fit over and inside of driveshaft before. Take a good measurement and start looking around. If you have a welding shop around that would be a good place to start.