PTO yoke won't slide on

[tony83]

I'm trying to hook up my finish mower yesterday. It was attached to the tractor by the dealer when I bought it. I disconnected it once, and this is the first time I am trying to hook it up (second time attached to tractor ever). The PTO shaft yoke (tractor-end) has this plastic sliding collar instead of the metal push button. The collar retracts three bearing balls within the yoke that allow it to slide over the tractor PTO shaft and lock in place.

The problem is that the balls are not retracting. I can feel spring pressure on the collar when I slide it, but no matter how much prying, pounding or swearing I do, I cannot get the yoke to slide over the shaft past the retaining balls. I have trying greasing it, prying on the balls with a large screwdriver - nothing seems to make a difference. I may replace this yoke with the push-button style, but for right now I would just like to get this stupid thing hooked up. Anyone have experience with these collar-style yokes?

 

[DaveOmak]

Are you lining up the splines on the PTO shaft with the grooves in the coupler ??? I have to rotate the PTO shaft until it partially slips into the coupler, before it will engage properly... When they are new, they do fit tight...

Dave

 

[tony83]

Yes, everything is lined up. I can slide the coupler the first 1+ inch onto the shaft, until the retaining balls hit the end of the shaft. Then no amount of pushing or pounding (with the collar retracted of course) will move it any further onto the shaft.

 

[sweettractors]

Twist your locking collar and look into the female spline. You should be able to push each individual ball down clear of the spline with your finger. Once you have each one free and clearing, it will slide on fine. Ken Sweet

 

[fordmantpw]

I had a similar problem with the rotary cutter on my previous tractor. It had the same collar you mentioned. A little WD40 and lots of prying on the balls with a screwdriver solved the issue for me.

 

[unbidden]

I have the same type of collar on one of my shafts, be sure you completely turn the collar while sliding the shaft forward. It may also help if you raise the deck a bit so the shaft is level from the deck to the tractor. Just be careful the deck doesn't lower and the tractor doesn't roll while you're back there.

I find the push-pin types much easier to attach.

 

[pjbci]

Good advice. Those balls are the DEVIL!!!

 

[tony83]

I agree that I would rather have the push-pin type, but I'm going to feel stupid/relieved if it is just operator error. I thought the collar just slid forward towards the tractor - I was unaware that it may also twist. I will give it a try tonight and see what happens.

 

[TerryR]

Mine slides backwards, away from the tractor.

Terry

 

[sweettractors]

I agree that I would rather have the push-pin type, but I'm going to feel stupid/relieved if it is just operator error. I thought the collar just slid forward towards the tractor - I was unaware that it may also twist. I will give it a try tonight and see what happens.

Either Slide back or twist makes no difference, the balls have to go below the female spline. Ken Sweet

 

[Gordon Gould]

Mine slides backwards, away from the tractor.

Terry

Mine too.

 

[Fossil Farm]

My Woods tiller is setup the same way. You mention a plastic ring. That really does nothing. The metal ring in front of it actually slides backwards, with the smaller metal ring inside, with the grooves not moving. Like the others said, some WD-40 to loosen up the rings and then grease the area between the 2 metal parts (rings) for less problems in the future. They are machined with pretty tight tolerances, so until you get them sliding against each other, it won't make much sense, but once they move it will. Good luck.

 

[Henri88]

Pictures would help, but I think he has the plastic twist set-up like I have on my rotary cutter. I also have the pull metal ring on my tiller. I don't have a pics of the twist type but here's one of the pull ring with my extension push button style.

 

[stuckmotor]

That's the kind of connector on my post hole digger. I figure they designed it that way so it will be less likely to grab a pants cuff.

 

[tony83]

Interesting way to adapt it.

Well after a short investigation it seems that it was user error, which makes me feel silly yet relieved. I guess just looking at it the metal ring doesn't clearly look like it would slide, and the plastic sleeve does, although I should have known that wasn't enough force to unlock it. Anyway, it is a sliding collar type - you just have to know how to use it Thanks for the responses.

 

[samhudson3]

That's the kind of connector on my post hole digger. I figure they designed it that way so it will be less likely to grab a pants cuff.

Mine too and it takes alot of WD40 to keep it functioning (it's an old piece of equipment).

 

[jeff9366]

I use FLUID FILM to lube PTO splines and securing collar. WD40 is good but you will likely have to spray the splines almost every time you connect the PTO shaft to the tractor because WD40 has a high proportion of evaporating carrier to lube content. I only re-spray with FLUID FILM three or four times per year.

I find it helpful to scrub PTO splines on both tractor and implement ends twice per year with a brass brush, then wipe off dirt/grime with a paper towel then lube fresh with FLUID FILM.

Do not lube with grease. PTO connections can be pretty tight and grease can be pushed up the splines until it blocks connection.

My implements are stored outside beneath 18 ounce canvas tarps.