MX6 problem

[RollingsFarms]

the pto shaft on my MX6 is frozen and wont extend to hook up to the pto on my tractor. this use to be a fairly easy thing to do, i never had a problem with it.....until now. i haven't used the cutter since last year and it's been stored out of the weather. i took it out to check the gear oil, tighten some bolts and grease the tail wheel and that's when i notice i couldn't hook it up to the pto. anyone else have this problem? how'd you fix it?

 

[sweettractors]

We have had to use a chain on one end pulling gentle pressure with ATV while pecking each end of the yokes until it pops loose. When it comes apart, lube the slide tubes real good before using again. Ken Sweet

 

[RollingsFarms]

We have had to use a chain on one end pulling gentle pressure with ATV while pecking each end of the yokes until it pops loose. When it comes apart, lube the slide tubes real good before using again. Ken Sweet

that sounds not only like a 2 man job, but a real pain in the you know what. so this is a common problem with the MX line of bush hogs?

 

[sweettractors]

It is a common with all pto shafts that lack proper lube or are slightly twisted? Ken Sweet

 

[RollingsFarms]

i dont see how it could have been twisted. worked fine last time i checked before today. i would lube the shaft, but the manual does not mention it as maintinance so i've never bothered with it. i figured since it was a plastic casing, it shouldn't need any lubing?

 

[sweettractors]

i dont see how it could have been twisted. worked fine last time i checked before today. i would lube the shaft, but the manual does not mention it as maintinance so i've never bothered with it. i figured since it was a plastic casing, it shouldn't need any lubing?

I am sorry, I thought the metal drive tubing was stuck? Ken Sweet

 

[kennyd]

Moisture still gets under the plastic shield, lube is a necessity for sure.

 

[SandyTX]

I just had this happen on my 5" 503 shredder.

Using recommendations from this site I bought some PB Blaster and sprayed inside and outside of the shaft. Let it set a few minutes. Then I took a propane torch and heated the shaft where they connect together for a few minutes. Once I saw smoke coming out from inside the shaft; I hit on it with a wooden 2x4 block and a mallet. After a few strong swings; it shot off.

G Luck!

 

[beenthere]

that sounds not only like a 2 man job, but a real pain in the you know what. so this is a common problem with the MX line of bush hogs?

Not a major problem. Just sitting in the shortened position gets into some packed-in grease that holds it secure. About anything to pull on it will likely, and easily, jar it loose. A common issue.

A pry bar, or 2x4, or whatever is handy to lever on the PTO end will very likely un-stick it for you. Doubt it is twisted, but you should look it over for that issue. More likely, if not just some sticky grease, it might have been bent when hooking up wrong to the 3 ph. Are there any signs of where the tube may have contacted the front edge of the cutter deck?
If you know nothing like that happened (but it does to most of us), then just sticky grease.

 

[marco246]

Once you break it loose, then you should lube it. According to the JD operator's manual for MX5, MX6, AND MX7, edition OMW49246 issue J2, page 45-9, you are to grease the driveline inner shaft annually. I do it more frequently as it is easy to do.