Please help How to take PTO shaft off flail mower gearbox

[Gordo 56]

I have an old Mott, model 72 flail mower that I am changing all the bearings, belt, and blades. I have the cutter roller off, the roller off, but I can't figure out how to get the PTO shaft off the gearbox spindle. It has a quick release button like were the shaft hooks up to the tractor but that doesn't seem to work. Is there another spring loaded point on the shaft that I don't know about. I am a rookie when it comes to flail mower repair. Attached are some pictures

 

[Mean Jean]

Give it a good spray (at quick disconnect) with a penetrant oil.
I like liquid wrench.
Let it work its way in there real well then tap it back with a hammer.
Letting it sit overnight is a good idea.

 

[Gordo 56]

Thanks for the reply, I will give that a try. In my original post I didn't make it clear that It is my quick release yoke that is connected to the gearbox. Is the quick release pin the only thing holding it on the gearbox spindle?

 

[2458n]

Yes, I believe the shaft is splined and similar to the tractor's pto output shaft. I have gone so far as to put a strap on the pto shaft and hang the whole mower 4inches off the ground. Soaking over night. Sometimes in the morning the shaft will already have released. The quick Hammer strike on the collar will usually work. Heat from a torch helps but watch out for cooking the seals.

 

[Gordo 56]

thanks for the replys, I have already sprayed it and tommorrow will chain it off the ground about 4 inches and see if it works. Thanks again.:thumbsup:

 

[Gordo 56]

I tried it again today, and it still did not budge. I even put some heat on it and it still didn't budge. The front seal leaks on the gear box and I can't change it out unless I can get the quick release yoke off of the gearbox spindle. will tru again tomorrow.

 

[Mean Jean]

Hit it again with a healthy dose of anti seize at the spindle.
Give the actual quick release mechanism a spray as well.
Won't release if you don't actuate it.

If you're willing to replace one or both parts of the yoke, you can get more aggressive.
Have you got an air chisel?
That should work!
Try a hammer and punch if you don't have an air chisel.
Have you got a puller which might fit?
Have someone work the quick release while you bash away.

 

[Leejohn]

Can you push the spring loaded pin in? If you can, hit that with a hammer to make sure it is all the way in. You could take the u joints apart then use a puller. If all this and the things you are trying doesn't work try cutting a groove in it long ways with a cut off wheel in a die grinder to open it up a little.

 

[Gordo 56]

Thanks for the replys guys, I am going to try and get it off today with yoke intact and if I can't get it, go to my auto supply store and see if they have a puller that might work, and if that don't, I have a grinder with a diamond blade and cut the yoke off. You guys help alot with the ideas.

Thanks again

 

[CharlieS]

when you push the spring loaded pin into the release position are you sure its going far enough to release the yoke from the shaft? I ran into a similar condition years ago where we fought getting a pto shaft off and turned out there was alot of crud in the cross pin assembly to prevent full disengagement.
One end of the cross pin should have a small snap ring on it. try removing that clip and drive the cross pin and spring out, then you know its fully disengaged. then procede with other removal methods as needed.