Snow PTO went "thunk"...now wont engage the snowblower

[Route150]

SO...I'm trying to help out the neighbor with the 2' of drifted snow yesterday and I'm running the snowblower off the rear PTO. I hear a short "thunk" and now the PTO wont engage the snowblower. Snowblower still turns when pushed by hand and the PTO shaft turns, but I can't get the tractor to engage the shaft.
ANY help or thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Ed

 

[David s Von Gieserbrechta]

Just a thought, Try replacing the shear bolt.

 

[varmint]

Doesn't sound good! Have you tried checking out the external linkage? If that isn't it, you may have a problem.

 

[Ductape]

Just a thought, Try replacing the shear bolt.

My first thought also. Often when I break a shear bolt, the impeller and auger still turn, but will stop when meeting the resistence of heavy snow. Start with simple first.

 

[Route150]

Thanks for the comments! I'm thinking I'm going to start with the shear bolt and go from there. I was thinking that's what the problem is, but was confused because the auger was still spinning and moving the blades.

Another question: Should I reduce the RPM's of the engine before engaging the blower. I typically do this with the rotary cutter.

Thanks!

 

[radioman]

you should feather in the pto when engaging. it could be the shear bolt. it could be th pto selector popped out from MMM to rear only. check the selector first.

 

[leonz]

SO...I'm trying to help out the neighbor with the 2' of drifted snow yesterday and I'm running the snowblower off the rear PTO. I hear a short "thunk" and now the PTO wont engage the snowblower. Snowblower still turns when pushed by hand and the PTO shaft turns, but I can't get the tractor to engage the shaft.
ANY help or thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Ed

You should always start the Rear P.T.O. at a low RPM due to the highy torque generated by the drive line.


One of the shear bolts is most likely broken and it will spin when the PTO is engaged as there is no resistance to the auger or impeller from the snow.

Where are the shear pins-PTO yoke mounting plate, cross auger?

 

[montelatici]

The short thunk is usually the shear bolt. That's what it is there for, to protect the transmission.

 

[WayneB]

The short thunk is usually the shear bolt. That's what it is there for, to protect the transmission.

I agree, take off the PTO shaft and see if the tractor PTO is turning. If not call your dealer...