Quick Hitches Removing PTO from bush hog

[TractorGuy]

This can be remedied with a whole new clutch / PTO assembly right? Agrisupply has a few for 150-200.

That was my first suggestion.

Just make sure to get the correct length and ends to connect at the tractor and implement.

 

[JTXN]

Here are some pictures. Everything look standard? Spline on both ends. Total shaft including clutch is about 50". Will order a new cover also.

 

[airbiscuit]

So, why can't you just loosen everything up, cut the shaft down a bit and use it?

 

[TractorGuy]

Here are some pictures. Everything look standard? Spline on both ends. Total shaft including clutch is about 50". Will order a new cover also.View attachment 619998View attachment 619999View attachment 620000

Does the spline on the gearbox look just like the PTO shaft on the tractor? If so you can use a shaft with the spring loaded pin on each end. If not the challenge might be finding a shaft with the same type end you have on the clutch end of the shaft. The safety cover should come on a new shaft.

Gearbox spline would need the relief like the tractor PTO shaft to use the spring pins on both ends. You would need a 60" shaft minimum if that shaft is about the right length to connect as it's frozen. Connect the tractor to the bush hog and measure from spline to spline. Add the length of both splines and a foot or so to determine new shaft length.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Take that entire shaft assembly to a heavy duty truck shop and they can install new u joints and free it up.

 

[TractorGuy]

Take that entire shaft assembly to a heavy duty truck shop and they can install new u joints and free it up.

You can buy a brand new shaft with clutch and safety cover for $161.
PTO Shaft-PTO Shafts | Agri Supply 12242

 

[airbiscuit]

Wasn't the problem that it was 3" too long? If so, free everything up, adjust the slip clutch and cut to the appropriate length. Or, spend $161 if you like.

 

[TractorGuy]

Wasn't the problem that it was 3" too long? If so, free everything up, adjust the slip clutch and cut to the appropriate length. Or, spend $161 if you like.

The issue is it's frozen in place and he can't get it to free up. It's 3" too long as it sits but that is a moot point. If he could get the shaft free to slide it would easily slide in to the correct length. He said he tried chaining it to a tree and couldn't get it apart. Could be 10 years of rust has made it unrecoverable by any means.

If it were mine I would attempt to cut the plastic off, heat the tube with a torch, free up, and lube. In the process I would have ruined the temper of the metal and risked having the tube twist during use. Some folks don't have a torch or the inclination to do all that so a new unit would not only solve his problem but would also give him a new unfrozen clutch and a new safety sleeve.

 

[airbiscuit]

I'm not saying the OP shouldn't buy new. Sometimes a softer touch is better than brute force. I had a frozen PTO shaft. Hooked on to the loader, but no go. Soaked in PB Blaster, chained one end to a tree and the other end to a come a long. Applied tension, did tap, tap tap with a hammer, and it flew apart.

 

[JTXN]

I ended up buying a new shaft for 170. Time is money and with a 2 year old and a full time job and everything else in life it was worth it to me. I also try to be as safe as possible.

I did not cut the shaft because it has about 12" of overlap before the covers bottom out.

I started out in 1L and it wasnt cutting at all. Put it in 2H and gave it some more RPMs and it started cutting. Grass is spring growth (dead) and really heavy summer growth.

The deck is not level and the tailwheel probably needs lowering. It cuts uneven at an angle but hey this was my third time on a tractor with the first two times loading and unloading it on the trailer. First time mowing. I was smiling the whole time putting along at 3mph.

Plenty of time to figure out deck issues later. Any tips for a MF135 are appreciated. Overall it pulled a 6' hog pretty well for not having sway bars.

Me and one-eyed Betty had a great time.