TC40D PTO

[TO_Bud]

I've read through the posts here many times on various struggles trying to slide the implement collar onto the PTO shaft. I only have a few implements that use the PTO so I don't struggle with it but a couple times a season. Each time I struggle with it I tell myself I'm going to get to the bottom of this later but I never do. Some suggestions I've seen in the past are to thoroughly clean the shaft and coupler and keep it well oiled as the tolerances are tight. I've done those things and it does help. My problems arise when the implement collar is out of phase with the PTO shaft. I use large channel lock plyers to rotate the drive shaft of the implement for aligning but sometimes it rotates back. The obvious solution is to put the tractor PTO into neutral to help with the alignment. Therein lies my question and I hope it is not a "Duh" question at that. How do you put the TC40D PTO shaft into neutral? I can't seem to do it if it is possible. Help me out guys.
Bud

 

[dave1949]

I know I can't turn my PTO shaft with my hand on my TC40S either. Same as you, I turn the implement. With the safety shields, it's about impossible to get at the universal yoke too.
Glad you asked the question
Dave.

 

[Soundguy]

press the yoke onto the shaft.. hold it there even if out of phase. now rotate driveshaft for or aft while still pressing.. don't worry about holding down the thumb pin or collar.. just worry about getting the yoke engaged to the first half inch of splines BEFORE the retainer pin.. once you do that. .THEN pres the pin or actuate the collar to get it on.. then give a lil push/pull on it to st the collar / pin again.

a scredriver thru the yoke really helps spin an implement drive shaft.

some tractor pto units which are independent have brakes makingt hem impossible to turn by hand.

soundguy

 

[DocHeb]

You will not be able to turn the PTO drive on the TC40D tractor - neutral or not. The PTO brake holds it in position. You will have to turn the implement PTO shaft. I use a large screwdriver through the yoke of the shaft, rotating it as I am trying to push in on the PTO drive. Once it starts to slide onto the PTO splines, rotate the collar, pull back on the collar, or push in the retaining pin to push it on all the way.

The black metal shield on the tractor over the PTO shaft folds up to make it a little easier to work in that area.

 

[Tractorganic]

Some ideas to make it easier:
Raise the implement so the shaft is level in-line with PTO.
Shut off the engine.
Lift or fold the PTO shroud out of the way.
Have a small to medium pry bar and mallet handy.
Spray lubricant into the release button/pin and it's raceway inside shaft end.
Clamp a big vice grip (I use a Snapon VGP2241 "C" clamp/swivel tip with a 3 15/16" opening, see on web@ Snap-on: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Tool Boxes, Automotive Diagnostics and Shop Equipment) over the release button and it's diametrically opposed flat flange. This will give you a handle on the shaft for alignment and leverage while freeing a hand from the miserable task of squeezing that release pin.
Engage the shaft onto the PTO rotating as necessary to align.
If you need to slip the bar into the "U" joint and tap gently with mallet to slide all the way.
Remove clamp and GENTLY pull back on the shaft so it clicks in place.
If no click, stop and re-insert.
I've had the darn pin hang up inside it's raceway so it wouldn't click/lock and had to remove, spray more lube, and start all over again.
Good luck,
Chris

 

[wolfpack2]

I got tired of getting covered in grease trying to rotate the shaft so I purchased one of these.
Overrunning PTO Coupler, 1-1/8 in. x 6 Female Spline - 0271148 | Tractor Supply Company
It has worked great for the past 5 years. I did have to shorten a couple of my PTO shafts though.

 

[jinman]

I have the perfect answer. Get somebody else to do it.

Honestly, until you get the hang of it just as Soundguy and DocHeb suggested, it can be a little tough. After doing it for so long, it has become second nature to me and I rarely need anything but my hands to hook up any implement.

An ORC will allow you to hook up your PTO easily, but you'll lose the brake function and I don't think that's advisable. Be sure to lower your engine's rpm before engaging or disengaging the PTO. That will save your clutch and make it last much longer. I really like having my rotary cutter slow down and stop quickly when I disengage the PTO.

 

[TO_Bud]

Just got back home to read the reply threads. Great ideas all (especially Jinman's). I have done several of these suggestions in the past and to be truthful I don't struggle near as much as the first time I hooked up. Turning the driveshaft is the only solution it seems for our clutched system and that's what I do. Sometimes the driveshaft extension is sticky making the process harder. I was just hoping we could disengage the clutch with engine off somehow to make it a piece of cake.

Thanks, Bud

 

[Soundguy]

the clutch IS disengaged.. IE.. not hyd pressured together.. it's the brake that's holding you up.

soundguy

 

[RickB]

Any PTO with a spring applied brake is a PITA. It's as simple as that.