Snowblower PTO Shaft Source

RCman · Sep 29, 2014

Hi All,
So I recently bought a used 74" rear mount RAD / Blizzard snowblower. It is the same unit as the Kubota L2674 or the JD Frontier SB1174. I fast came to realize that the PTO shaft included was not going to work with my setup. It is too short, the shield/guard is shot and needs replacing and the shear bolt may be undersized. When I contacted RAD they told me that my PTO shaft should have a M10x1.5x55mm Gr8.8 bolt (as does the manual for the Kubota unit). The shaft I have has a M8 Gr8.8 bolt.

Does anyone know where I can get a PTO shaft for my snowblower something with an operating length of about 40-41", a collapsed length of no more than 34", 1-3/8" 6 splines on both ends, and an M10 bolt? I have tried a few local dealers (Kubota, JD & Massey) and they can either get me an OEM shaft for $616+ or one without a shear bolt. I contacted one online dealer that was in CA and can get me a shaft for $270ish but that also seems like a lot. ASC & TSC have nothing that seems to work and Northern Tool only has one with a 1/2" shear. Every shaft I do find is European and very hard to get stateside.

This sure isn't like getting a Spicer joint for any of my vehicles (if only it were that easy)!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Halftrack · Sep 29, 2014

Could you replace one of the sliding shafts on the existing pto to come up with an adequate usable length? Some are simply pressed into the yoke and can be cut out and replaced. If you can do that, run it with the M8 bolt to see if you have more that the usual shears, if so bore it out to accept the M10 bolt. Might be a lot cheaper than finding a replacement complete pto shaft.

RCman · Sep 29, 2014

I thought of that but the shield is also a wreck and needs replacing. Turns out the plastic "bearings" are an old odd style and not standard either.
If I did open up the hole for a M10 botl there would be less than 3/16" of wall thickness remaining around the hole. Probably not the best.

Good ideas and thank you, just not going to work. I need a new shaft assembly.

RoyJackson · Sep 30, 2014

Best bet for an exact match (including the shear bolt) is the OEM, but you can probably find one cheaper aftermarket...might not have the shear bolt hole though.
IMHO, if you're going to keep the snow blower, I'd bite the bullet and buy it from RAD.

RCman · Sep 30, 2014

RoyJackson said:
Best bet for an exact match (including the shear bolt) is the OEM, but you can probably find one cheaper aftermarket...might not have the shear bolt hole though.
IMHO, if you're going to keep the snow blower, I'd bite the bullet and buy it from RAD.

I wish I had the free cash to be able to do so, but no way I can/will at $616+. Even the counter guy thought that was insane.

Dave M7040 · Sep 30, 2014

Since TSC stores are usually a cheap source for complete PTO shafts and parts it is too bad they don't have what you need. Did you go and look for yourself as I find their staff members are not the best parts guys if you are dealing with them over the phone.
Northern tool appear to have a good selection and worth a look. Braber Equipment General-Purpose PTO Shaft Assembly — 32in. Collapsed Length, Model# 69.885.049 | Tractor PTO Shaft Assemblies| Northern Tool + Equipment

Remember pto shafts usually can easily be shortened but to lengthen is a big deal.

You need a reasonable overlap between the two halves of the shaft, around 8", but if you buy a new shaft it will have literature telling you the required overlap.
The universal joints on either end of the shaft need to be indexed or severe vibration results. Most shafts prevent you from mis indexing the two halves but I have seen some which lost this feature when shortened.
Dave M7040

RCman · Sep 30, 2014

Thanks for the info.
TSC and ASC are the same, and in my area the shaft you linked about goes for $249.99. I did go into the store, and you are correct the young man working there must have been selling shoes last week he wasn't even sure what a PTO shaft was.
The shaft you linked has 2 issues with it. 1) a round bore not both ends splined and 2) no shear bolt. The only shaft that Northern Tool has that has a shear has a 1/2" bolt. I did call to confirm they can't get anything with a smaller shear.

I did find CS43518 and CS53518 from AllPartsStore but I can't find any distributor that doesn't bring the cost of the shafts up a bunch when they get their cut and shipping. I may end up with a $270 shaft after all.

I'm no stranger to building shafts; it is finding the parts (that are not Chinese junk) at a responsible price that is the issue here. I could find a complete setup that would be ideal. I think I may get this Northern Tool unit: Braber Equipment General-Purpose PTO Shaft Assembly — 40in. Collapsed Length, Model# 69.885.004 | Tractor PTO Shaft Assemblies| Northern Tool + Equipment and steal the shear bolt yoke off my current shaft. It is the only usable part on it at this point and while it is only 8mm it would mean I would have less than 1/2 the cost into the AllPartsStore shaft.

Capricious · Sep 30, 2014

What about :

Tiller PTO with 1-3/8" x 6 Spline Yoke On Both Ends | Agri Supply

Slip clutch instead of shear bolt.

Female splines both ends ( push pin connector on tractor end; slip clutch end has splines with a bolt & nut instead of push pin)

Reportedly 34" closed, 42" maximum.

$88.95 plus shipping.

(I just bought one of these)

EDITED TO ADD; A few photos of this shaft in post #104 here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/mitsubishi-satoh/316342-mt160d-11.html

RCman · Sep 30, 2014

Great idea, but my concerns with a slip clutch is the snow, ice & water. Are those unfounded?
Seems to me they are designed to work in drier environment. Thoughts?

Capricious · Sep 30, 2014

RCman said:
Great idea, but my concerns with a slip clutch is the snow, ice & water. Are those unfounded?
Seems to me they are designed to work in drier environment. Thoughts?