If the splines are taken out, I don't see how it could transmit enough power to move the tractor even 5 mph. There might be enough friction where the PTO shaft might be able to rotate without load, but once the output force requirements increase it would cease to rotate.
Could the clutch frictional material be slipping? That's certainly a possibility.
Could the clutch frictional material be slipping? That's certainly a possibility.