Thanks, QBIRKY and Dennis for your suggestions. I tried both of your suggestions. Alas, none worked. Still can't get the dang thing into 1st PTO gear. It acts as if something somewhere is frozen. Even juiced it all up with WD40, even though I don't like to do that. I am open to any and all other suggestions. I am a little afraid to use it with a bush hog or finish mower running on 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. Any and all help will be appreciated.