PTO mounting problems

[MtHam]

Every time I mount a PTO device on my B3030, getting the pto shaft to slip onto the male protrusion of the tractor is a PIA. I always try to align the device (chipper/shredder, logging winch, tiller etc) so that the shaft is horizontal and in line. Any suggestions?

 

[GPintheMitten]

Are the fittings clean and lubricated?

 

[MtHam]

Are the fittings clean and lubricated?

Yes, I usually put some grease on both parts.

 

[DT86]

Are the splines on both sides properly aligned?

 

[joemd11]

I had the same problem with the PTO when my tractor was new. After I used it for a while it got easier to slip the shaft on.

 

[Ken45101]

I had the same problem with the PTO when my tractor was new. After I used it for a while it got easier to slip the shaft on.

Clean and lubricated may not be enough. Sometimes you have to remove the protective layer of paint on the pto shaft. A good stiff wire brush on both the pto shaft and the inside of the implement coupler may help. THEN lubricate.

Ken

 

[AceDeuce]

I second Ken's response. I've had trouble with paint inside the female end of the coupler on every new implement I've bought. Use a small file to clean it out of each spline and it'll drop right on.

 

[wotalota]

The shaft on the bush hog is hard for me to connect, doing the following helped.

I use a rope to tie the shaft up to hold it about level with the tractor connection so I don't have to hold the weight steady for an extended period.

It has a spring loaded push button that takes a lot of force to hold down in order to clear the grooves. I can't do that for long without it hurting, and needing to take a break. So use a screwdriver style handled socket to push it in.

Then it is a relaxed operation to fiddle with the positioning without having to keep taking a rest and starting over again.

 

[MMagis]

Maybe I’m the only one dumb enough to do this, but I used to always press the button down and then try to spin the shaft on the implement to get it lined up with the tractor PTO shaft. It dawned on me one day that it’s MUCH easier to spin the tractor PTO shaft until the implement shaft slides in place. These days it seldom takes more than a few seconds to get hooked up.

 

[Ken45101]

Maybe I知 the only one dumb enough to do this, but I used to always press the button down and then try to spin the shaft on the implement to get it lined up with the tractor PTO shaft. It dawned on me one day that it痴 MUCH easier to spin the tractor PTO shaft until the implement shaft slides in place. These days it seldom takes more than a few seconds to get hooked up.

On some tractors the PTO won't turn. And trying to turn the shaft on a big cutter isn't easy either. But in any case, often the problem isn't with getting the splines aligned. Too often the fit is just too tight, especially on newer equipment.

Ken

 

[GPintheMitten]

The shaft on the bush hog is hard for me to connect, doing the following helped.

I use a rope to tie the shaft up to hold it about level with the tractor connection so I don't have to hold the weight steady for an extended period.

It has a spring loaded push button that takes a lot of force to hold down in order to clear the grooves. I can't do that for long without it hurting, and needing to take a break. So use a screwdriver style handled socket to push it in.

Then it is a relaxed operation to fiddle with the positioning without having to keep taking a rest and starting over again.

The spring is strong and if new, not broken in. I suggest you also spray the spring mechanism with some liquid lubricant like PB Blaster or WD40.

 

[whistlepig]

I think the different couplers on the implement PTO have a lot to do with it. The ones that have a collar on them are a lot harder to put on than the ones that just have a button to push. Trying to pull back on a collar and push the coupler on at the same time is more difficult than pushing a button.

 

[JMace]

"Trying to pull back on a collar and push the coupler on at the same time is more difficult than pushing a button."

Aye!

 

[CJBOTA]

I too have trouble at times. Lining up the slines is a real PIA. I wonder if match marking them with a dab of paint would help. I'm not sure what is meant by spinning the PTO shaft. I am pretty sure my shaft don't spin. ( no pun intended) Usually once the slines are aligned mine usually goes right on. Although, I agree, I prefer buttons over collars. I do like the rope idea. Some of those driveshafts sure get heavy.
I can always tell if I am going to have a bad day by how long it takes to get the pto shaft connected. Some days they go right on and other days I have to talk to Jesus a couple times to make it happen.
CJ

 

[wildwillie]

How about you sit in the seat and swear while the little woman hooks it up.

 

[psdx]

This tractor has an independent PTO, so with the motor off and the PTO in the neutral position, the PTO output shaft on the tractor turns easily by hand. Once the splines are aligned, it should be very easy to connect.

 

[whistlepig]

If you have the new collar type PTO coupler make sure that you are properly puckered before you begin the task. If you have the old style push button type coupler life is good.

 

[SPYDERLK]

This tractor has an independent PTO, so with the motor off and the PTO in the neutral position, the PTO output shaft on the tractor turns easily by hand. Once the splines are aligned, it should be very easy to connect.

Independent is done in different ways. Some, like your tractor and mine are out of gear when disengaged. Others are only declutched to stop the drive. Those usually have a brake to keep clutch drag from driving the stub. They are harder to work with and also present a much higher likelihood of spontaneous engagement than the former.
...larry

 

[psdx]

You are correct -good point. But since this thread is specifically about a B3030, I limited my response to just that tractor.