Rotary Cutter PTO Driveline / Overall Length

[bselff]

Why is it that when you are searching for a new PTO driveline, it give you compressed length but not safely uncompressed length (connection from implement to tractor) unless I am missing something. I know the compressed length of approx. 41" and I want the connected length to be somewhere around 63" give or take. I have the specific part # from Gearmore for the bush hog but was looking for an aftermarket due to cost. I would like it to be equivalent to size and quality.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To TBN Bob. You have come to the right forum to get answers.

If compressed is 41", then you should be able to get 63" when extended.

 

[bselff]

Is there a rule of thumb for this, say 30%, 40% ???

 

[oosik]

I know of no rule of thumb other than - - it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that your PTO driveline have at least 8" to 12" of overlap at its fullest extension. And of course - not bottom out.

Example - the PTO drive line for my Wallenstein chipper has 16" of overlap at its fullest extension and is 3" short of bottoming out at its closest compression.

Why do they list the compressed length and not the max extended length. Compressed length is a given. Max "SAFE" extended length - there is no industry standard for this parameter and the company that makes the PTO shaft does not want to set themselves up for any kind of law suit by listing that particular parameter.

I can see it now - - the law suit says - - "I set my PTO shaft at XX" as the company recommended and it flew apart". The manufacturer has no way to control how their PTO shaft will be used and does not need to add fuel to the fire by setting some arbitrary max extended length. You are free swinging and on your own there - boy.

 

[bselff]

thank you

 

[Oldtink]

I consider 1/2 the compressed length to be a maximum extended length.
Maybe that's overkill but figure it a safe way to buy a new shaft.

 

[bselff]

Oldtink,

Thank you, that is more of what I was looking for in an explanation.

Bob

 

[oosik]

Oldtink - if I might paraphrase your suggestion. A PTO shaft with a compressed length of 30" should not be extended beyond an overall extended length of 45".