Mowing PTO Shaft Hookup

[bonefish101]

Hi Guys (and Gals),

I feel like a dummy having to ask but......

I am trying to mow for the first time since buying the tractor (JD 2720) and I am having a problem getting the PTO shaft on the mower (Bush Hog RFM) to line up with the PTO doohickey on the tractor. I have tried turning the blades in the hopes that that would move things into alignment but it doesnt seem to work.
Is there an easy way to get the teeth to line up to be able to connect the shaft to the tractor???
I need a solution as the neighbors are probably getting mad at me yelling curses at JD, the grass, my mower, the dogs, and life in general...

Thanks all

 

[284 International]

Try moving the PTO output on the tractor instead of the driveshaft on the mower. I put the driveshaft against the output shaft (The "PTO doohickey on the tractor") then hold pressure against it and twist the output shaft. You'll feel the splines engage, then jiggle the thing around while pushing in. It will go just a little bit and stop. Make sure the locking mechanism (likely a button or a twist collar) gets unlocked, then jiggle it on the rest of the way. Make sure it locks on!

I've had some PTO stuff that sat and got surface rust mixed with dirt and grease, and wouldn't go on. A toothbrush, or, better, a wire brush (pistol borebrushes work well) with some WD-40 or equivalent up in there will clean all the gunk out and lubricate it some, making it much easier to slide onto the tractor end. (If the tractor end is gunked up the same problems can occur, so clean it too if needed.)

Make sure the PTO drive shaft collapses in and out freely, too.

Good luck.

 

[RoyJackson]

284 International pretty much nailed it down.
I don't know if the 2720's PTO stub shaft will rotate....not all do freely enough to rotate by hand.
So have a pry bar or equivalent you can stick through the universal joint yoke to turn the Implement's PTO drive shaft while pushing it on to the stub shaft (BTW, it's a lot easier if you use a bungee cord hooked to the implement's upper connection point to bear some of the weight). Probably won't take much.
As soon as you feel the splines line up (the drive shaft will move about 1/4-3/8 inch), push the pin or rotate the locking ring as 284 International described. When you hear or feel the pin or ring locking in place, give the drive shaft a good yank back to ensure it's in place.
This is one of those jobs you wish you had three arms.

BTW, if you really want to curse, cajol, cry and generally annoy your neighbors, get a rotary cutter.

 

[bonefish101]

Got it!!!

Thanks, going mowing...:thumbsup:

 

[Runner]

Put the PTO lever in the "front" position. This frees up the rear PTO shaft so you can turn it easily with two fingers and line up the splines with the drive shaft.

 

[taborekle]

I always try to adjust the implement height, so that the PTO drive shaft goes straight in towards the PTO nub. I think this works better then trying to twist the universal joint to get it lined up straight. This also help in taking it off.

I always lock the PTO collar to open prior to trying to fit it on the nub. It should lock open, and once fully seated lock shut. Don't try to open the collar on the nub, or hold it open while fitting it.

Keeping the nub and pto collar clean of dirt helps.

A little dab of fresh grease on the nub also helps.

Larry

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you have a collar that locks open on your equipment, consider yourself lucky. Most do not lock open but are spring loaded with either a twist to open which you have to hold open while trying to pull the PTO shaft forward. The other type with a pin is even worse as if just about pushes thru the thumb by the time you hold it open long enough to get the splines aligned and the shaft moved forward enough to hold it open. They do let you know when you hit the detent on the tractor PTO shaft though.

 

[bonefish101]

Thanks to all you guys for the tips, my collars wont lock open but as Runner suggested, if I move the pto lever to front only the nub spins freely and its easy from there. I did get both mowers hooked up yesterday and mowed a good bit and did the same again after work today. Very theraputic.
I cant believe it only took about 10 minutes to have a solution posted, I love this site, you guys make it awesome!!!