PTO Shaft Balance
- Thread starter welder1
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Chilly807
Elite Member
If the PTO shaft is used, check to be sure it's not bent slightly, it happens more than you might think. Mine got bent a while back and had more run out than it should. You'll have to remove the shaft covers and end guards to check it, I ran mine briefly without them in place to be sure of how much run out there actually was.
I ended up replacing the outer shaft, it was pinned in the universal yoke and could be separated without too much trouble.
Sean
I ended up replacing the outer shaft, it was pinned in the universal yoke and could be separated without too much trouble.
Sean
RoyJackson
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I had one that was slightly bowed. It doesn't take much to make it difficult for the shaft to extend or retract. It's still setting in my outbuilding, I think.
BTW, don't forget to pull them apart to grease 'em once or twice a season.
jayste
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Welder1, just as a mention, when activating the PTO do it slowly but deliberately. This will make things a little easier to start for your tractor as well as the cutter.:thumbsup:
RoyJackson
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Very important info above. Engaging the PTO at a lower RPM (1200-1500) reduces the shock load on both the tractor and the cutter. Much easier if you have a gear tractor, BTW.
Some hydro machines' PTO is on or off...no feathering as you can do with a gear tractor, unfortunately.
buck12
Veteran Member
Are you trying to start another gear vs hydro TBN war? Not that I am against it. Always fun reading.
RoyJackson
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Not at all...
Engaging a cutter requires a bit of finese...a "soft" start might be a good description.
Engaging at 1200-1500 RPM may cause the tractor to stall. If the operator has a hand or foot throttle, he can keep it running. Slipping the clutch (this assumes a live PTO, not independent) can ease the start.
TripleR
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Agreed. My John Deere has an either "on or off" PTO switch so no feathering while my Kubotas have lever engagement which allows feathering. (the new models may be different) My L5030 also has a clutch which also disengages the PTO, so I will depress the clutch lever, fully engage the PTO lever and then feather with the foot clutch. Now I don't like a clutch on an HST model, but it's there, so I use it. Now my geared Case has a slot half way through engagement where you stop for several seconds to let the PTO spool up and then you engage fully and this works great. You don't have to touch the clutch and can engage while underway.
Feathering, no matter how it's done sure makes mowing easier on the equipment and nerves, at least for me.