PTO connection helper

[reprosser]

Is JD the only company that makes a "auto hitch" type device that makes connecting PTO shafts easier? My wife is running the tractor a lot, but the PTO connections are tough.

I have a hard enough time getting things attached - with all the safety guards and and twist/push/pull/button type fittings on the different PTO connectors - but she just does not have the strength to manage it. It does not help that the tractor and implements are all new (tight fit).

I am looking for something that will make it possible for her to do the hookups without having to call me off other projects to change out implements. I would not mind at all if it were easier for me too.:thumbsup: I am not getting any younger...

Maybe someone has a DIY solution?

In addition to my attachments, I have a borrowed auger and rototiller.

 

[beenthere]

I think Deere is the only one.
However, I am sure that the "auto" PTO hitch requires the attachment to be Deere and compatible with the new device. When switching attachments a lot (I'm thinking landscaper on a job with several used in sequence), this new 'vention would certainly be handy.
Kudo's to your wife for at least trying. Be careful how quickly you introduce her to the new Deere tool.

 

[paccorti]

I think the hardest part of hooking up implements is aligning the splines on the PTO shaft to the implement shaft (so that you can slide them together). An overrunning PTO adapter might make this easier (at least you can spin the splines backward to align them).

Peter

 

[JoeL4330]

my own trial-and-error experiences have taught me that the most important thing is to make sure the PTO shaft on the implement is absolutely "straight" ...in both dimensions, left-right and up-down ...the left-right comes almost automatically, but the up-down needs attention: raising/lowering the implement and playing with the the top link ...and then making sure to shut down the tractor before attempting to make the hookup. A sturdy rope down from the ROPS with an adjustable loop (double half-hitch, e.g.) can hold the shaft and allow you to concentrate on connection. With the tractor off, in neutral, you should have at least 180-270 degrees of free rotation on the driving splined shaft, enough to allow the driven shaft to mate, initially...until it hits the stop. Only now do you need to fuss with the coupler pin/collar/whatever ...and, if it is lined up in both dimensions up-down as well as right-left, it should slip on surprisingly slick (a little lube/grease on the driving splines work, here) ...to repeat just once more, my experience is that the universal on the driven shaft should not be canted in any direction.

 

[mjncad]

I have a hard enough time getting things attached - with all the safety guards and and twist/push/pull/button type fittings on the different PTO connectors - but she just does not have the strength to manage it. It does not help that the tractor and implements are all new (tight fit).

I didn't want to do it; but I removed the tractor's PTO guard because it was a PITA to hook up the bush-hog's driveshaft, especially with a Quick-Hitch being used. I left the bush-hogs's driveshaft guards in place.

 

[beenthere]

mjncad
I also removed the guard on the tractor.
IMO, It is only there to hook up the older shields that we use to have to cover the PTO shaft. See no reason for them now (except if the PTO shaft is running and someone is standing on the drawbar). I find sliding the PTO shaft onto the PTO stub much easier now, not having to work around that guard.

A shot of WD40 on the stub and the PTO connector before sliding them together and being sure the PTO is in neutral allowing the stub to be turned are also helpfull to attaching the PTO shaft to the tractor.

 

[mjncad]

mjncad
A shot of WD40 on the stub and the PTO connector before sliding them together and being sure the PTO is in neutral allowing the stub to be turned are also helpfull to attaching the PTO shaft to the tractor.

Due to our dusty conditions, I give the PTO stub a wipe down with a rag before hitting it with WD-40 or something similar.

 

[RPW]

For me cleaning the PTO shaft and the PTO and then lightly lubing has worked the best. I keep a small wirebrush in the tool box just for that. Since doing that I've had much less problems connecting the PTO shafts.

 

[teg]

I also removed the guard on the tractor.

But I am much more careful around it because of that... I never hook up or disconnect the PTO with the engine running. Also ditto on keeping it clean, wipe dirt off of it. I have never put oil or grease on it...

 

[rwinter]

I feel better. I thought I was the only one who had trouble hooking up the PTO....I never had the tractor in neutral and that probably makes a huge difference. I always tried to slighly move the implement (eg mower) and that is a tough go.

I too, have a helper rope to support the shaft so I can concentrate and use my strength on the connection.

One other question....is it necessary to pull the spring loaded collar back to install or is that only necessary to detach?

 

[nickel plate]

My tractor's pto guard has a couple of factory holes in it so I use a short bungee cord to hold it up while on-offing an implement. When not in use, I wrap the bungee around the fuel cap for storage so it is right there when needed again.

 

[Patches]

I agree with Joel4330; having the shaft aligned in both axes with the PTO stub really helps with the engagement. Unlike most posters, I prefer the PTO engaged,(with the tractor OFF of course) so the stub cannot rotate with the shaft when attempting to mesh splines, as there is usually enough free play in the shaft to allow some rotation

 

[brandoro]

On the B3030 the PTO guard pivots upwards and is held there by friction so it is no problem. I had some trouble hooking up implements that were hard to turn until another B3030 owner told me how to release the tractor shaft so I could turn it to line up the splines. You put the PTO selector to the front (mid) PTO and the rear shaft is free, in case anyone else has this problem.
Other than that, a little light lube from time to time to keep things rust free and easy to move and it's all good.

 

[Green_in_Michigan]

Bungee cords for the PTO cover is the best way to do this especially if you are not the only person doing work on the tractor. On a Deere sliding the PTO lever to the halfway position allows the spindle to turn freely by hand. Tractor off of course.

 

[TomWhite]

I think the hardest part of hooking up implements is aligning the splines on the PTO shaft to the implement shaft (so that you can slide them together). An overrunning PTO adapter might make this easier (at least you can spin the splines backward to align them).

Peter

That, or a PTO extender, gets the connection back a bit further and could make it easier. The thing to remember is that now your PTO shaft may be too long.

 

[Stampeder]

For me it depends on the implement I'm connecting to. Square baler is a little difficult, so is the big shredder as both have very long implement shafts. The post hole digger is also somewhat of a pain because it is usually at an angle when it is on the 3 tp hitch. When I have my sprayer attached I need to have the guard attached so the pump chain that prevents rotation has a place to connect to. I had to modify the sides fo the guard to allow cleanance for the quick change hose adapters. BTW the tractor is ALWAYS turned off. Take PTO out of gear so it rotates freely.
I echo the cleaning of the shaft, a little light coating of WD40 on the PTO shaft and on it goes like butter.
I have several different varieties of implement shafts and I find the old pin type the worst to work with. The newer ones with the collar that slides back tend to be easier to put on.
We have very sandy soil here that gets into everything and dries hard as rock so preventive maintenance on PTO shaft and equipment shafts is a must.

Happy Easter all.