the pto shaft for my post hole digger is very difficult to extend making hook-up's a real pain. when using it last time the guard also got stuck and broke. revealing the bare joint at the tool end. Not happy about this. Pretty sure I need a new guard, but given the difficulty with extension wondering if replacement would be better. Suggestions?
get the two half pieces apart - even if you have to tie one end to a tree and pull!
ok - be careful doing that.....
look for burrs on the friction points. Something is causing it to bind.
By chance - could it be bent slightly ?
Once you get the two halves apart. Clean them well and then see if they will go back - most of the time it will only match up ONE WAY!
If it will not slide - take some paint or other marking media and spray the inner shaft and place back together - where the paint is rubbed off will be your problem.
I small file and some grease and you should be up and sliding !
As for the cover......they get $$$ - Some black drain pipe works well, 4" -cheap and when it wears - easy to replace.