Snowblower PTO

[Berry]

I'm looking for some advice for my front mount B2551 snowblower, operating on a B7200HST tractor. My problem is with the outer and inner sleeve of the PTO I had to replace the outer sleeve. The original sleeves being on an 1985 tractor where steel sleeves. When I ordered a replacement sleeve, I had no idea it would be plastic. So I now realize I have to replace both inner and the outer sleeve as the dimensions do not match.

The original steel sleeves had an approximate clearance of 1/8 " between the inner and outer sleeve with some raised guides to keep them centered.

The new replacement sleeve have virtually no clearance.

Here is my concern, since this PTO is used in the winter, down low to the ground and behind the blower, the chance of snow and slush getting in between the sleeves and freezing over night seems high to me. When you go to operate and lift the blower, the sleeves will slide in each other. Should I have concerns of damage possibly being frozen and being plastic. Or, is there something I can lubricate when I assemble that wont damage the plastic with to prevent freezing.

 

[thebicman]

Had a rear blower on my old tractor and now a front mounted. Both had the same type of plastic pto shaft cover. Never had a problem where they froze together and never did anything to them.

 

[Berry]

Had a rear blower on my old tractor and now a front mounted. Both had the same type of plastic pto shaft cover. Never had a problem where they froze together and never did anything to them.

Thank you for the reply, I'll give it a shot.

 

[mikester]

I believe they use some form of HDPE for the shields so lubrication isn't necessary.

 

[Berry]

I believe they use some form of HDPE for the shields so lubrication isn't necessary.

Thank you Mike, I had to put my thinking cap on for HDPE ( high density plastic). I was more concerned about ice developing between the sleeves but the more I look at this, I think it will drain before it can have a chance to freeze. It certainly is a lot lighter then the old steel one.

 

[mikester]

The nice thing about the plastic is that ice doesn't stick!

 

[Berry]

The nice thing about the plastic is that ice doesn't stick!

Hey Mike since you had a front mount blower, let me as you this. Did you have much vibrations or was it fairly smooth running,
I must tell you, with mine, I did have a bad universal that I have since changed. In fact I have changed the one half of the universal that mounts to the mid PTO and the half of he universal on the front PTO that is part of the quick connect. I have also changed two universals.

 

[Berry]

The nice thing about the plastic is that ice doesn't stick!

Sorry, second question. Do you lubricate the spines when you assemble or do you mount dry?

 

[DustyRusty]

If there is a fitting on the driveshaft where they slide together, lube it. I always lubricate any spline prior to installation. It keeps the moisture out of the connection. If the spline is not covered, when the shaft is off, I wipe it dry with a cloth to keep dirt accumulation to a minimum.

 

[Berry]

If there is a fitting on the driveshaft where they slide together, lube it. I always lubricate any spline prior to installation. It keeps the moisture out of the connection. If the spline is not covered, when the shaft is off, I wipe it dry with a cloth to keep dirt accumulation to a minimum.

Good points, thank you. I don't have a cover for the mid PTO. I priced one from Kubota and it was far to expensive $200.00 plus... I hope to make my own.

 

[dlsmith]

Good points, thank you. I don't have a cover for the mid PTO. I priced one from Kubota and it was far to expensive $200.00 plus... I hope to make my own.

I made on for a friend. 3D printed a sleeve to just fit over the splines, and put a rare earth magnet in the end to keep it on. Simple and cheap.

 

[DustyRusty]

Good points, thank you. I don't have a cover for the mid PTO. I priced one from Kubota and it was far to expensive $200.00 plus... I hope to make my own.

Try the cardboard tube that the toilet paper comes with. Mine has been uncovered for 17 years, during the warm months, and there has been no negative effect.

 

[mikester]

Hey Mike since you had a front mount blower, let me as you this. Did you have much vibrations or was it fairly smooth running,
I must tell you, with mine, I did have a bad universal that I have since changed. In fact I have changed the one half of the universal that mounts to the mid PTO and the half of he universal on the front PTO that is part of the quick connect. I have also changed two universals.

If your blower and components are balanced it should run smooth. There are some harmonics at various PTO speeds but no surprises there.

Sorry, second question. Do you lubricate the spines when you assemble or do you mount dry?

I coat all my bare metal parts with spray grease or fluid film before storing. I wipe the spline at the start of the season to remove any dust/gunk. My tractor PTO shaft came with a rubber dust cover.

 

[Berry]

If your blower and components are balanced it should run smooth. There are some harmonics at various PTO speeds but no surprises there.

I coat all my bare metal parts with spray grease or fluid film before storing. I wipe the spline at the start of the season to remove any dust/gunk. My tractor PTO shaft came with a rubber dust cover.

Thanks Mike: yeah I have a rubber sleeve on the rear PTO Sand I do spray the spines I put away for storage. My concern is the lower mid PTO seal that would be fully exposed to the dirt and dust.

I do feel the harmonics at different speeds. I'm going to test removing the front PTO. Then I might remove the chain and run. Process of elimination.

 

[Berry]

I made on for a friend. 3D printed a sleeve to just fit over the splines, and put a rare earth magnet in the end to keep it on. Simple and cheap.

Good idea, something to consider no 3 d printer.

 

[Berry]

Try the cardboard tube that the toilet paper comes with. Mine has been uncovered for 17 years, during the warm months, and there has been no negative effect.

There is no shortage of those covers

 

[DustyRusty]

There is no shortage of those covers

I heard today that the average American uses one roll of toilet paper every 3.8 days. They didn't say if that were a male or a female. If they did, I know that the two numbers would be quite distortional between the sexes.

 

[Berry]

Thanks Mike: yeah I have a rubber sleeve on the rear PTO Sand I do spray the spines I put away for storage. My concern is the lower mid PTO seal that would be fully exposed to the dirt and dust.

I do feel the harmonics at different speeds. I'm going to test removing the front PTO. Then I might remove the chain and run. Process of elimination.

So to follow up on the latest progress on the snowblower drive shaft vibration.
With all the advice I've received and the videos I've watched, I have learned a lot. I believe the designs have changed a bit with the newer tractors. I'm not sure about this but I think they may have. I'm thinking with the newer tractors you can only assemble the PTO shafts one way so the shafts will always be in phase with each other. On my B7200, you can assemble the splines any where in a 360 degree plane, assembling the shafts out of phase as there is no odd tooth on the spline. So as not to confuse, I'm talking about what the parts breakdown calls p.t.o. shaft in the support of the front mount assembly.
Since learning about phasing of a drive shaft, I have lined this up perfectly and the vibration is almost non existent right up to 2500 rpm
To bad the season is over.....
Thank you all for the input, it has been a tremendous help.