PTO Shaft does not stay locked.

[Dave Pee]

My son was using the JD type bush hog, that came with the 32 HP tractor. Rotary cutter has been idle at least 6 months.

So he latches the shafts together, and the snap ring locks things tight, as it should.

But after a short run, the shafts become un-locked. He says the balls and lock ring are clean and not binding. Maybe the lock spring is cracked/aged? Whole thing is 4 years old, and under warrenty, so that is one option.

Any otherrr suggestions?

TNX
Dave

 

[Industrial Toys]

If there is some defect in the spring mechanism, that should be apparent when attaching. I lube mine with a light lubricant like Crown or WD40.

 

[Peter 315]

Do the two shafts slide together easy and not binding up

 

[ruffdog]

Good video for whats in the pto retainer.

Why Can't I Can't Get My PTO On (or OFF) - YouTube

 

[Roadworthy]

Are you sure the PTO coupler was all the way together? If not far enough together the ball may not have engaged in the groove on the PTO shaft and it may have had only friction holding it together. Make sure the PTO shaft is clean and lightly lubed as well as the latching mechanism. That way you can feel it slide together and have a better feel for whether it locks together or not.

 

[oosik]

Roadworthy may have hit on the problem. Be certain that the male( PTO stub ) & female( PTO shaft ) portions are clean and well lubed. The PTO shaft must slide on the PTO stub and "lock up" with an audible click. Once you think it's locked up - tug back on the PTO shaft to be sure.

 

[Tx Jim]

Ditto on making sure sure the telescoping sections of driveshaft aren't binding & are well lubricated.

 

[Zebrafive]

Are you sure the PTO coupler was all the way together? If not far enough together the ball may not have engaged in the groove on the PTO shaft and it may have had only friction holding it together. Make sure the PTO shaft is clean and lightly lubed as well as the latching mechanism. That way you can feel it slide together and have a better feel for whether it locks together or not.

Roadworthy may have hit on the problem. Be certain that the male( PTO stub ) & female( PTO shaft ) portions are clean and well lubed. The PTO shaft must slide on the PTO stub and "lock up" with an audible click. Once you think it's locked up - tug back on the PTO shaft to be sure.

I always pull on the PTO drive shaft after hookup to make sure it engaged the groove of the PTO stub shaft.

 

[ovrszd]

All good advice.

My Kubota came with a PTO shaft condom. It's on the shaft all the time that I'm not using PTO. Shaft stays clean and lubed.

 

[Dave Pee]

Thank you, men. I pulled the front shaft away from the rear portion, on the mower. Came apart just fine,, lite rust. Sprung Collar and balls passed first inspection, so nothing obviously wrong.

But I put that piece in the shop, and plan to clean the heck out of the locking mechanism, lube the drive shaft. and prolly cutoff most of that **** plastic safety cover (that makes it so difficult to connect to tractor.

I will keep you informed. TNX Dave