PTO shaft

[Hughman]

I just picked up a new WinCo 15kw generator and need to shorten the shaft a bit. This is the first one I've ever seen that has an internal safety cable that keeps the two halves from separating. Is this a new thing?

 

[RjCorazza]

I have never seen that, nor do I understand how that would provide any safety. Is it possible that it's just a shipping thing to keep the shaft ends together?

 

[Hughman]

I think it is only a safety thing for when it's not attached on both ends. No mention of it in the manual. Just a picture of it on the side of the plastic shield. To shorten the shaft I need to figure how to disconnect it. I guess the cable would need to be shortened as well. Probably just toss it when I figure how to take it apart. I lived this long without ever having one.

 

[RjCorazza]

I think it is only a safety thing for when it's not attached on both ends. No mention of it in the manual. Just a picture of it on the side of the plastic shield. To shorten the shaft I need to figure how to disconnect it. I guess the cable would need to be shortened as well. Probably just toss it when I figure how to take it apart. I lived this long without ever having one.

I would be interested in seeing a picture of that cable setup if it's not too much trouble.
I also have a WinCo 15kw generator, and really like it.

 

[Hughman]

Got it apart and took an inch off either side. The wire was short enough to still be functional so I left it in place.

 

[CliffordK]

Perhaps a new "safety" feature designed by lawyers with no practical experience.

@TimberXX recently posted that he had a generator and couldn't get the PTO shaft apart.

PTO Shaft Wont Come Apart

Let me preface this that I searched for 15 mins before posting this... I have a new PTO generator. When I brought it home, I went to take the PTO apart to cut it, but when I fully extend the shaft, it stops abruptly. I can't take is apart. There is nothing in the shaft manual about this, can...

www.tractorbynet.com

Ultimately it would be handy to not lose half a PTO shaft. I've bought used and auction equipment that inevitably comes with half a PTO shaft. Then one is scrambling to find a matching half shaft.

 

[workinonit]

How did you get it apart if the wire was short enough?

 

[Hughman]

The whole point of the wire is that it won't come apart. After you disconnect the safety cover and slide it towards the middle, there is a split pin at each end behind the yokes that goes through the loops at the ends of the wire. You use a drift punch and hammer to drive out the pin.

 

[Smokeydog]

First time seeing a safety wire for pto shaft.

 

[Menagerie-Manor]

I cannot imagine that lasting more than a few seconds if the driveshaft wants to separate. It would serve a purpose as a keeper though.