PTO Shaft length Adjustment/quick hitch

[Stumpuller]

When I bought my new GL 5240 and Rotary mower RCR 186o I was ready to go to work and did not
give any thought to modifying the pto shaft to fit Hooking the pto shaft has been a real "bear" to put on. Even after taking apart, cleaning and lubricating. I have been looking at quick hitches may extend the pto shaft. If anything will shortening the pto shaft or quick hitch help?

 

[mikester]

You might need new/longer pto shaft tubes if you go with the quick hitch. If you have binding in your current pto shaft, replacing the tubes should help.

In the alternative buy a new pto assembly and cut to length for use with your QH

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Probably not.
When I hookup the 3PH tiller, I attach right lower arm, top link, PTO shaft, then left lower arm.
This sequence makes it easy to get the PTO shaft connected to the tractor's PTO.
Is your tractor's PTO free to align ? It is a fairly precise 'fit'.
If it's a weight issue,use a rope or strap around the top link to take the weight of the PTO shaft.

 

[Shawn T. W]

I had to add an extension on mine to get enough overlap ...

Was about 5" IIRC ...

 

[Bee-Positive]

Your question is not clear to me, although it is early and I definitely need more coffee.
If I may - let me break up your post into separate parts.

When I bought my new GL 5240 and Rotary mower RCR 186o I was ready to go to work and did not
give any thought to modifying the pto shaft to fit
So you got the equipment and it's been working so far with no operating issues. No binding when fully raised, rubbing, grinding, etc.

Hooking the pto shaft has been a real "bear" to put on. Even after taking apart, cleaning and lubricating.
You may have to shorten your existing shaft but adding one of these would help. PTO Quick Connect

I have been looking at quick hitches may extend the pto shaft. If anything will shortening the pto shaft or quick hitch help?
If your having trouble installing the PTO shaft because it's at or near the shortest adjustable length then adding a quick hitch may be possible without having to get a new shaft depending on how much "extra play" the shaft has. If your looking to shorten the existing shaft without a quick hitch there are several youtube vids on how to size and cut a PTO shaft, it's pretty easy actually.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

fwiw.... if your issue is about getting the pto splined connectors to lock in place, i find lifting the implement so that the pto stub on tractor and implement are at the same height (on same plane so pto shaft is horizontally level).
for me getting the angle out of the equation makes it easier on these arthritic hands.
Also find no grease like red and tacky on the stubs or on the connectors. Light spray silicone lube only as tolerances on my stuff seems pretty tight and grease seems to take up too much space making connection more difficult?.

 

[GeoHorn]

There is plenty of criticism to be found online of WD40….. But that stuff is Terrific for keeping the PTO stub-shaft and shaft-connectors …Clean and Easy.

I’ve mastered all 3 different crazy types of connectors since I’ve used WD40 on all.

NO grease to collect trouble-causing dirt and grime.

 

[Russell King]

I suggest that you need to verify that the shaft length is properly adjusted for your situation (if you never checked it).

Then clean both the shaft out of the tractor (exterior) and the PTO yoke of the implement very well. Lubricate them with a thin coating of grease or an oil. Then learn how to disconnect the plastic shield from the tractor end PTO yoke so you can slide it back towards the implement while attaching the PTO shaft. Attach the shaft and install the plastic shield back.

The above method will make it easy but you can also extend the PTO shaft to near maximum length to give more room between the tractor and implement for getting it attached. Then carefilly back up to implement and attach the three point hitch. (I don’t like doing this method myself but it works)

Keep the tractor shaft covered when you have no implements on so it stays cleaner.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

A pto quick connect is an interesting consideration for some.

I personally don't use these but a good friend does as he be getting too old for a lot of tasks and finds the investment is extending his working life especially since he makes a lot of attachment changes for his daily tasks. Doesn't need help from the kids and grand kids during the day.

These connectors decrease the needed pto length so acts as an extender as well by something like 4" but means attaching pto to tractor completely painless. He brought them back from his winter holiday from Texas.