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.

 

[jenkinsph]

Pto driven tools that I use infrequently get the shafts wiped clean and regreased before putting them away. Saves alot of grief for me.

 

[eepete]

Stupid question time. A few days ago I did my "spring check up" on my MX6. Loosened the slip clutch, slipped it, checked the gear box oil, got underneath it (it was on jack stands and attached to the tractor with parking break and wheel chalks). The grease fitting on the U joints were at bad angles, so I ended up taking the little screw with the phillips head out to rotate and then slide the plastic sleeve down, move the plastic bell, and get to the U joints. While I had those off, I greased the white plastic that holds the safety shield on.

When you clean and grease the shaft, do you remove the plastic safety shield for the smaller shaft so you can grease it? That little screw in the plastic didn't look like it was good for a lot of removals and re-insertions. Or is it sufficient to put a blob of grease on the end as best you can and re-insert it?
Other PTO drive shafts I have use a quarter turn plastic screw, I can see where that would have a better lifetime than the little sheet metal screw in the MX6.

Pete

 

[RollingsFarms]

still haven't got it fixed yet, but a friend who's a farmer is coming over oneday to take a look at it. i've never been impressed with the design of the MX series of bush hogs. they are great cutters dont get me wrong, but there are better designs out there. the old Deere 205 cutter i had before this was a better design in my opinion, just wasnt medium duty standards and was only 5'.