Reassembling rotary cutter driveshaft---do I need this plastic shield?

[RalphVa]

Leave the plastic shield in place and securue it so that it doesn't rotate.

I just use some tin snip scissors to cut away a window in the plastic to get to the grease zerk for the U joints.

Ralph

 

[brin]

Lumberdink, morning... On the bell ends of the guards, use a large hole saw on a drill motor and cut a large hole so you can see the zerk fittings and get the nozzle of your grease gun in there to lube it. The hole should not be a safety issue as compared to removing the entire guard. Good luck... Dave

Now that is a great tip...I am going to do that myself...thanks !:thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

Sold! I'll put them back on. I think the tractor shuts off as soon as I get off the seat with the PTO engaged. BTW, I don't any kids or other potential victims but as a claims adjuster, you don't have to tell me how quick something can go wrong! Thanks! :thumbsup:

The rotational energy of a cutter is huge. That spinning disc at 2-300 rpm has some serious inertia. Tractor engine off, PTO shut off and the shaft will still spin for a while. I try to shut all that off before stopping so it will no longer be rotating when I get off. If it still is, lowering it all the way and going in tall weeds will slow it down.

There was a story here 20 years back about a 18 year old kid that literally had both arms ripped off from a PTO shaft. He dialed 911 on the phone with his toes and waited for paramedics in the tub "so mom's carpet wouldn't get messy".

Found it. Read the link and you will have more respect for that shaft!

Too Tough to Die : People.com