Yesterday afternoon in the hot sun I'd decided to hook up my Bush Hog for todays work before I quit.
People-this is certainly not my first rodeo to hook up a PTO shaft! I've cussed them some then once I'd cleaned it up and lubed the splines and such it was not undoable at all.
Yesterday was different. I did not and never have had issues aligning the splines- it's that damned ring that releases the balls inside to allow a lockup that I was fighting with! I pulled the tractor side of the sliding shaft off, cleaned it and doused with lube. I wiped down the tractors PTO shaft and lubed it but will admit that I never got it connected-the first time ever I've failed at getting one on!
It's possible my hands have aged out on whats never been a real easy job. Both hands had CTS release surgeries over 20 years ago, also had injections for trigger finger and lately my left shoulders begun to "come out" (try that if you like pain?)- so maybe it's me? maybe not?
Yesterday after my shower during my "Especial time" I burned up google to look at the two types of PTO quick connects sold that make the job easier. They sell for similar prices a two piece set-around $350 and both look robust and workable w/o cussing yer PTO. As my tightwad mentality kicked in along with my lifetime of wrenching I decided the PTO shaft need a new look today in the shop. I drove the Mule down to the pastures edge where it all sat waiting and pulled that shaft, threw it into the Mule for a new look/see today in the shop.
Maybe I'll throw money at the issue, maybe I'll make it work better-we'll see huh?
I have always felt that a forked wedge that slid behind that ball release ring forcing it forward all the way- while you push the shaft forward would make a crappy job easier. Sort of like a tie rod removal tool but less wedge shape and lighter weight so it remained in place during the operation , would ease the task.
Things is that once you've lubed it all well the entire mess is so slick that that release ring becomes a tough thing to massage forward on both sides.