Can my L3400HST PTO mechanism, handle a 24" stump grinder?

[Rustyiron5]

I have a 2005 Kubota L3400HST, and my concern is with the PTO internals. It has a ratcheting PTO, which means if you back off the throttle too quickly when mowing, it ratchets until the RPM of the mower catches up with the PTO RPM. I have only used this tractor for mowing because I don't want to trash the PTO internals with my brush hog or tiller, but I am now considering getting a PTO driven 24" brush hog. Can my L3400HST style PTO handle the abuse of this type of implement?

This is a 20-year-old tractor, but I only have 500 hours on it, and don't want to tear it up if this style of PTO is not rugged enough for heavy-duty use.

If you have this style of tractor or another model that has this type of PTO mechanism, please let me know if you would be comfortable using your tractor to drive a stump grinder. I would use my old Ford 1900, but using a manual tranny tractor for stump grinding is not going to work.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, John

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It's not the best design for heavy smacking loads.
They tend to break the cams.

 

[old and tired]

I have a 2005 L2800 and gave my tiller away to a friend once the PTO started to skip... I have bought the parts to repair the pto CAMs (to the better locking type) but if your CAMs are original, I would not do it unless I was ready to split the tractor, sorry.

Use the stump grinder on the Ford 1900 and use the L3400 to slowly drag the Ford across the stump.

 

[mikester]

Go slow and hope it lasts...

 

[Rustyiron5]

Thanks, Wolfman, you are confirming what I thought was the case. I will look for other options.
Thanks again, John

 

[GreensvilleJay]

possible options...
based on # of stumps to deal with....
1) rent bigger machine
2) hire it out
3) drill and burn