Tiller PTO shaft separates when lifted.

[Rick230]

The tiller shaft is just too short with minimal clearance when down, separates by 2 inches when lifted.

I've figured out two ways to fix the problem.
#1: remove the slip clutch and replace the shaft.

#2: make two extenders and move the entire tiller back about 10 inches (more or less), then knock the pins out of the 1 11/16 inch and 1 7/16 inch shafts and replace the eurocarda shaft with a new one and use the slip clutch. I believe the shaft is a Eurocarda standard size #3 according to the diameter of the shafts.

The tiller is a 37", 3 point, cat 1 tiller used on a Ford 8N.

It looks like I can buy the complete shaft for less than replacing the shaft.

Thanks for the help.

 

[jeff9366]

If the PTO shaft separates in use, the loose ends can literally flail you to death.

Buy a new PTO shaft.

Only cheese gets stronger with age.

 

[Rick230]

I will be buying a complete new shaft and not use the slip clutch OR move the tiller itself back and replace the shaft using the slip clutch. I know a few people who do not use the slip clutch, just the straight shaft.

Either way, the shaft will be long enough to never to separate again.

 

[jeff9366]

Most tillers without a slip clutch are shear bolt protected. In my opinion, you need one or the other.

You do not want too long a PTO shaft either, or it will jam when you cross a swale.

The are many "How to cut a PTO shaft to length." videos on youtube. Shortening instructions probably come with a new PTO shaft, hopefully in understandable English.

 

[Baby Grand]

The tiller shaft is just too short with minimal clearance when down, separates by 2 inches when lifted.

I've figured out two ways to fix the problem.
#1: remove the slip clutch and replace the shaft.

#2: make two extenders and move the entire tiller back about 10 inches (more or less), then knock the pins out of the 1 11/16 inch and 1 7/16 inch shafts and replace the eurocarda shaft with a new one and use the slip clutch. I believe the shaft is a Eurocarda standard size #3 according to the diameter of the shafts.

The tiller is a 37", 3 point, cat 1 tiller used on a Ford 8N.

It looks like I can buy the complete shaft for less than replacing the shaft.

Thanks for the help.

I have twice replaced PTO "trilobulated" shafting by driving out the pins in the U-joint end pieces, as you describe.
I was able to get replacement shafting from AgriSupply for a reasonable price and cut it to the required length.
Be prepared to have difficulty separating the shaft form the U-joint end pieces.
Both times I had to remove the U-joint spiders to get a clear shot in an arbor press to press the shaft out.
You may also need longer plastic guards to cover the shafting.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I wouldn't use the tiller without some form of impact protection. Either a slip clutch(preferred) or shear bolt needs to be on it to prevent damage to the tiller or tractor. You should be able to buy a shaft that is the correct length to allow installing the slip clutch. Measure the distance when it is in lowest position, then in highest position and allow for minimum of 4" of overlap when in longest position. You also have to make sure that the shortest position does not bottom out the shaft.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Another thing, adjust your top link to where the tiller is setting level when in down position. If you have it tilted too far back, it isn't going to till right AND the shaft will extend more when lifted than when level.

 

[Rick230]

Thanks, the PTO shaft won't be too long, if I move the tiller back about a foot the PTO will still only be 26 inches including the slip clutch, that leaves the overlap on the slip shaft only about 11 inches.

When I lift the tiller the shaft would separate and for every inch I add to moving the tiller back is 2 inches in slip shaft movement.

I need at least 6 inches more at a minimum.

Most tillers without a slip clutch are shear bolt protected. In my opinion, you need one or the other.

You do not want too long a PTO shaft either, or it will jam when you cross a swale.

The are many "How to cut a PTO shaft to length." videos on youtube. Shortening instructions probably come with a new PTO shaft, hopefully in understandable English.

 

[Rick230]

Thanks, I have it set to level when its lowered. It tills fine as long as I don't raise it up too much, then it separates.

It really needs to have a longer shaft. I figured out a way to move the tiller back by making the lift bars on the tiller longer.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Tractor Supply sells a PTO extender, but I think it only extends it by 3" or so. Sounds like you need a lot more than a 3 inch extension, so a new shaft half is probably in order.