PTO Extenders - opinions?

[Birdmayon]

I just picked up a 4' rotary cutter for me JD 2520. At its lowest position, there is ~ 5" of PTO shaft overlap. When raised, the overlap gets larger. I've read 6" minimum overlap, so I'm a tad concerned. There is a good bit of shaft wobble when the cutter is lowered, but nothing crazy. Rather than spending $150 on a new shaft, I was thinking of getting a PTO extender, the kind that fits into the PTO shaft at the tractor end, and has a push button release that fits over the tractors output shaft. I think it adds ~ 4" to the setup which would be ideal. Do these extensions put undo stress on the tractor itself? Is this a bad solution and should I just suck it up and get a new shaft? I'd obviously love to spend $20 vs. $150 but it's not worth it if it's going to damage my tractor over the long haul.

 

[hazmat]

I run one on a couple implements to make up the added distance of my quick hitch. No problems, - though not many hours either...

 

[ampsucker]

we are currently using one on our old Ford 800. it is actually an adaptor to different shaft size as well as an extender. it was used primarily for driving an auger for drilling several large pier holes. it worked without a problem. i would think it should be fine for what you intend. they are designed for this use afterall. just keep all guards in place. i would imagine the only long terms effect is the slight extra stress it places on the output shaft bearing, but a pto shaft is essentially doing the same thing up to the first u-joint, so i wouldn't worry.

also, make sure the mating splines are a good, snug fit and the coupler locks into place correctly. most wear occurs when the wrong sized parts are mated together incorrectly.

amp

 

[3RRL]

Right, they should be fine to use.
If you need it, get one. It will come in handy for various PTO shafts on your other implements.

 

[greg_g]

Do these extensions put undo stress on the tractor itself? Is this a bad solution and should I just suck it up and get a new shaft.

No undue stress on the tractor, but they may prematurely age the U-joint at the tractor end of the PTO driveline. Nothing serious, but the Agri-Supply extender I have fits a bit loosely over the tractor's splined PTO stub. Just a little loose, but noticeable nonetheless. There's more U-joint wobble WITH the extender than without.

Regardless, I think it's $13 bucks well spent

//greg//

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with the others.. the downsides are outweight by the positive points in adding an extender or ORC to get a lil more shaft overlap.

soundguy

 

[RoyJackson]

I was thinking of getting a PTO extender, the kind that fits into the PTO shaft at the tractor end, and has a push button release that fits over the tractors output shaft. I think it adds ~ 4" to the setup which would be ideal.

Where did you find this extender? The one I just bought at Tractor Supply isn't deep enough and doesn't have any type of locking mechanism.

 

[Birdmayon]

Where did you find this extender? The one I just bought at Tractor Supply isn't deep enough and doesn't have any type of locking mechanism.

Agri Supply

PTO ADAPTER 1-3/8X6SPL M. X 1-3/8X6SPL F - Agri Supply

I just ordered one.

 

[Soundguy]

Where did you find this extender? The one I just bought at Tractor Supply isn't deep enough and doesn't have any type of locking mechanism.

Isn't deep enough to slip on the pto shaft and pin on?

soundguy

 

[RoyJackson]

Isn't deep enough to slip on the pto shaft and pin on?

soundguy

Nope, not deep enough.
There are holes drilled into it which I thought I could put a roll pin through to lock it in place.
I should have been more observant. The holes are drilled through the center (rather then offset for the locking groove). It appears you'd have to drill the tractor's PTO shaft and drive a roll pin through.
I don't want to do that.
The reason I need an extender is to make up for the Pat's Easy Change which puts the lower implement pins about 4" further aft.

The Agri Supply looks like what I need.