PTO Shaft

DannyD · Aug 5, 2004

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Now that would be cool. If you can get a photo, that would be super. Dont expect them to be too much into it though, you may have to sneak it

MaineGuy · Aug 6, 2004

Growing up I saw my Grandfather "straighten" a frame many times with a come-along, two chains and two maple trees and the engine revving clutch popping bone jarring technique. Then he would use a string to measure the alignment. Goodyear loved him. I still smile when I see a car going down the road sideways.

goatman · Aug 7, 2004

UPDATE:::Hand to cut the plastic cover off heated with a tourch, pulled between two tractors and it came apart.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RonR · Aug 7, 2004

If the dealer won't replace this PTO shaft, I'd insist on a written lifetime no questions asked FREE warranty on that PTO shaft!

Or better yet, have him order and deliver to you a complete new PTO shaft that you can hang in the barn.

That shaft was never designed to take the loads generated by how they got it apart.

My two cents says SOMEDAY (and it might be 10 yrs from now), the yoke on one end or the other is going to break at the weld.

The cause: excess stress back in '04.

Best wishes,
Ron

LMTC · Aug 7, 2004

We would never let a customer have a pto shaft after having to do that. I can't imagine the stress on the u-joints. I would expect replacement, unless this was a used cutter sold "as is".

wayne

green4710 · Aug 7, 2004

I wouldnt want that shaft spinning behind me while I was mowing. If that thing suffered any stress in places where it wasnt supposed to, and it lets to while your at pto speed, you could be severly injured or killed. No way, no how would I ever use that shaft, well maybe for a boat anchor. Tell your dealer you want a new one, if he wont cover it, buy a new one, cheap insurance.

Soundguy · Aug 8, 2004

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Soundguy · Aug 8, 2004

( cut the plastic cover off )

If this was a new unit, then removing that cover may make it illegal to sell... Think of the liability they have undertaken.. they have modified a safety device by cutting the shiled off.

If the dealer won't fix it.. I'd email the manufacturer and tell them what the dealer did.. someone.. either the dealers lawyer or the manufacturers lawyer's face should turn white with liability/lawsuit fear and replace that shaft...

Soundguy

goatman · Aug 8, 2004

Here I was all happy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and ready to bushhog and guys rain on my Parade. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I appreciate the feedback and Will Put this shaft in the barn as a back up and buy a new one. I really like this site cause I spend a good deal of time with tunnel vion /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif and you guys force me to take off my blinders /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Thanks for the input.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif By the way this bush hog was bought 3 years ago new and I had bought a tractor Used with a defective PTO so the hog lounged under cover until I got my new tc30 now that I was ready to use it for the first time The shaft Issue arose...so I guess will get another week rest while I pick up a new shaft.. I don't think the dealer will trade because he stopped selling them last year.. but I will ask if he has any new shafts around /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RonR · Aug 8, 2004

Well, Goat, since I was one to rain on the parade, here's my recommendation for a short term fix.

My assumption is the PTO shaft slides out/in with no more than normal friction now, right? Anything more will really stress your tractor.

My other assumption is you don't have a plastic PTO shield anymore, right? So go buy two pieces of PVC pipe sized so one fits inside the other, and the smaller one will fit over the shaft. More on this later........

Now take a wire brush to each end of the pto shaft where the yokes weld to the shaft. Clean them till they sparkle! Now take some bright spray paint and paint over the welded area. You will want a pretty thick build up of paint. THIS IS YOUR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM!

Now assemble the pto with the PVC. back about an inch from each yoke, DUCT TAPE the PVC securely to the PTO shaft. Be sure to leave your early warning system uncovered. (I know, you are leaving part of the shaft exposed, but we are weighing risks here.)

Now, use and enjoy your mower. Only every day before you start and after you finish, take a BRIGHT flashlight and inspect your newly painted welds. Any sign of cracking in the paint--end of the PTO shaft. No cracks, keep going.

If you are fortunate, you will see the crack before it comes apart. Unless you hit a stump, it should last a long time.

So, does this make you feel better?

Ron