Rotary Cutter Newbie PTO shaft question

[KYBOTA2320]

New to tractor ownership but not to forums. So yes, I have searched, but cannot find the answer to my specific issue. I just purchased a new KUBOTA and rotary cutter. The dealership had the RC attached to the tractor when I picked it up. When I got home with it I noticed the PTO shaft did not slide easily making it very hard to remove (and install). Last night I disassembled the PTO shaft to eliminate that it was just the protective cover that was binding, or that it was lacking grease. It's not in the cover, and the shaft was free of rust and well greased. The shaft telescopes easily until you get to about the last 8" or so. My question is: Is this normal for a new shaft, and will it loosen up with use? Thanks!

 

[whitepine2]

Might be the shaft being new is tight I would try using it some and see if it loosing up some. If you have it apart check and see that the shaft is plumb and check and see that the other side of shaft is true. It could be bent ever so slight
and cause it to stick. I had one on an generator worked fine until I used it on another tractor and it bound up and I mean tight drove me nuts but finally found the trouble. Just sawed off a few inches and all is fine.Even a new shaft could have been damaged,if it's real tight don't use until it's fixed as you might damage the PTO seal I did. If a new unit take it back to dealer and let them fix it right,you should not need to fix yourself,hope this helps.

 

[N80]

I think as long as the shaft is the right length and straight (as mentioned above) then use it and see what happens over time. If still tight, pull the two pieces apart and re-lube.

 

[Garrett Wiggins]

I wouldn't use that shaft unless it slides freely. Take it apart to make sure no damage is done and re-grease it. If doesn't fix it, I would take it the dealer and let them see it. DO NOT USE if shaft does not slide freely. I have actually pulled the pto shaft out of a tractor once when my pto shaft got bound up and I didn't know it.

 

[whitepine2]

I wouldn't use that shaft unless it slides freely. Take it apart to make sure no damage is done and re-grease it. If doesn't fix it, I would take it the dealer and let them see it. DO NOT USE if shaft does not slide freely. I have actually pulled the pto shaft out of a tractor once when my pto shaft got bound up and I didn't know it.

Yep I was lucky only damaged my seal. I say let the dealer make it good!

 

[JRobyn]

I wonder if some excess grease down at the ends of a PTO shaft might cause hydraulic (suction) binding? Are PTO shafts made with a itty bitty air vent hole at the very end of the outer shaft?

 

[rocketfish]

I wonder if some excess grease down at the ends of a PTO shaft might cause hydraulic (suction) binding? Are PTO shafts made with a itty bitty air vent hole at the very end of the outer shaft?

X2 I would check this also???

 

[Texasmark]

Mating of the connections is usually tight till you get some time on the PTO. I agree with all that support finding the reason if you find it necessary to have the shaft fully inserted......If you can install the shaft and you have ample room for it to slide in and out as you move over hills and dales before the shaft compresses to the sticking point then not that big of a deal.

Since you are talking about stock material that is cut to length and then welded to the couplings, there isn't much there to cause a problem other than rust, grease packed in the far end....would doubt on a new machine, or something is lodged in the far end....like your operating instructions possible found their way in there.

An exploratory rod could be run down the female shaft in an attempt to determine what's causing the binding.

Taking your grinder to the tip of the male and rounding it off somewhat (no burrs) could help too.

Keep this in mind. The U joints have to work in unison for it to do it's job....if the joint on one end is pointing at you when you bend it your way, the opposite end has to do the same. If off by 90 degrees it won't work. Most shafts are keyed so that they will only slide in one way and are triangular in shape....no way you can go wrong.......if you are wondering why you can't get the sections back together.

 

[em14]

Kobota2320 - There are many PTO sites available if you will just Google "Tractor PTO" ... for example:PTO Shafts by Application The best sites are going to be AG sites I think. There is a great deal of information you need to understand when working with PTO's for instant How to cut you PTO the correct length. There are U-Tube Videos and many Implement Manufacturers Videos. Here is a good source: Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer u tube : How to Measure and Cut a Tractor PTO Shaft - YouTube and Finally ... tractor Mike Ask Tractor Mike – All About Buying, Maintaining, and Using Tractors

I hope I have helped you!
Leo