PTO Problems

[srcaaga]

I have a 5265 with a old Model 106 bush hog deck. I stressed it while cutting some paths. Now the PTO moves slowly and makes a grinding noise when the deck is engaged. I have additional deck and it made the same sound and the blade moved very slowly as with the other deck, so I believe the problem is internal to the PTO. I took off the mower deck and when I engaged the PTO without any attachments it did not grind. Would really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

 

[RichardTX]

I would check the PTO engagement gear and other engagement parts in the nose of the transmission. If all looks good, then I suspect that the hi-lo planetary is at fault.

Does the tractor pull normally? Can you put the nose of it against a tree and spin the tires in high and low gear? If someting slips and the wheels do not turn while against a tree then there definitely is a problem with the hi-lo clutch/planetary.

If the tractor wheels dig into the dirt with the tractor against a tree (both high and low), then I suspect something else is wrong.

The PTO clutch and planetary and the hi-low (left lever) clutch/planetary are shared.

The good news is that isn't horribly difficult to service. It just takes time. I use a 3/8" impact wrench to make the job go quick. The short version is that the engine has to come off.

The following is from memory so I may have forgotten something.

The procedure is as follows:
Leave the mower deck on the tractor
Remove hood.
Remove battery.
Remove battery box.
Remove fuel tank
Drain the transmission
Remove rear hitch.
Disconnect control cables, hose, and coil wire at the engine.
Loosen bolts holding handle bars to support brackets.
Remove bolts holding control levers to handlebars
Loosen bolts holding handlebars to advance casting.
Remove upper engine bolts.
Remove dash bracket.
Lift up handlebars and wire to overhead rafter so that the engine can clear the dash.
Remove bottom bolts holding the engine to the transmission
Remove engine.

Once the engine is off, the planetary and clutch is right there.

A few notes:

- Don't even think about removing or installing the engine without a floor or transmission jack.

- A helper may be needed when installing the engine.

- Do NOT use any sort of gasket sealer between the engine and transmission. Use a gasket and if it needs to be held in place, apply some grease. Gasket sealer can make it almost impossible to remove the engine later.

- Never use bolts to draw the engine to the transmission. It should go on by hand all the way.

- Rotate the crankshaft by hand when installing the engine. This will facilitate engagement of the crankshaft and planetary gears. Do NOT use the electric starter to rotate the crankshaft.

 

[srcaaga]

Many thanks. I should have been clear, the tractor runs normally in forward and reverse. I have not "stressed" the forward motion as you have suggested, but when I was moving up the hill to the barn it ran just fine. I did switch attachments and when I engaged the PTO it made the grinding noise and the blade barely rotated. When I took off the attchment and put on a cover plate and engaged the PTO, no noise and it seemed like it was spinning. Again, no problem moving it in forward or reverse. Thanks for your reply and and further insight is much appreciated.

 

[RichardTX]

It may be just the shipper shaft or some other part of the engagement hardware that is loose. Does the dog gear move correctly?

 

[RichardTX]

One more point.

Never attempt to connect an attachment with the PTO in the engaged position. Doing so pretty much guarantees damage to the shipper shaft.

This does not apply to quick change mowers.

 

[srcaaga]

I pulled the tractor into the barn and removed the hood. I then pulled the Shaft Shipper and the Trunnion Block. The Shaft Shipper looks a little out of aline and the Trunnion Block was pretty beat up. The Dog Gear look fine. Would appreciate any suggestion on acquiring a new set. Thanks.

Steve

 

[RichardTX]

Call Richard's Welcome to Richard's Lawn & Garden

Richard or Jamie will get you fixed up.

 

[srcaaga]

Thank you! It was a pleasure to deal with them. Jamie evened called to offer a way to reduce the shipping cost, what a great outfit. Thanks again!

 

[srcaaga]

RichardTx,

Wanted to report I finally replaced the Shaft Shipper and Trunion Block -- it was pretty straight forward repair. It not works fine. Really appreciate the insight and assistance. Spent $12.60 and now am back in operation. Many thanks.

Steve Colgate

 

[RichardTX]

You are welcome. Glad to help out.

Richard