PTO Shaft Trimming

[GrumpyFarmer]

So far all my implements that run off PTO came with shaft all ready set up from dealer. Recently I picked up a chipper and I suspect I will need to fit the PTO shaft myself. What is the general consensus on what tool to shorten a PTO shaft? Hacksaw, cut off wheel, saw all, portable bandsaw, other? Which way and why would be helpful. Please advise. Thank you in advance.

 

[TheOldHokie]

So far all my implements that run off PTO came with shaft all ready set up from dealer. Recently I picked up a chipper and I suspect I will need to fit the PTO shaft myself. What is the general consensus on what tool to shorten a PTO shaft? Hacksaw, cut off wheel, saw all, portable bandsaw, other? Which way and why would be helpful. Please advise. Thank you in advance.

Anything that works. It ain't important what tool you use as long as it cuts clean.

Dan

 

[FTG-05]

Anything that works. It ain't important what tool you use as long as it cuts clean.

Dan

AND is cut to the correct length.

Too short: Twist the PTO shafts = $$

Too Long: Damage the gearbox = $$$$ -or- Damage the tractor = $$$$$$$$$

 

[GreensvilleJay]

whatever you're comfortable operating ! Be sure to use a NEW blade and 'deburr' the freshly cut edges BEFORE trying to use it. Use a thin coating of light oil or 'rustcheck', slide PTO shafts together/apart several times, THEN try it for real.....

 

[PoTreeBoy]

So far all my implements that run off PTO came with shaft all ready set up from dealer. Recently I picked up a chipper and I suspect I will need to fit the PTO shaft myself. What is the general consensus on what tool to shorten a PTO shaft? Hacksaw, cut off wheel, saw all, portable bandsaw, other? Which way and why would be helpful. Please advise. Thank you in advance.

My order:
cut off wheel (Makita makes good ones - HF are horrible but will work)
portable band saw
sawsall
..anything else..
hacksaw (I'd put oxyacet torch above this)

 

[GreensvilleJay]

do NOT use an oxy-acet torch ! There's no way anyone can make a perfect ,straight, clean cut. You NEED a PRECISE cut.......
If you have a sawzall/recip saw, buy a QUALITY metal cutting lade and it'll be cut in 5 minutes or less.

 

[TheOldHokie]

My order:
cut off wheel (Makita makes good ones - HF are horrible but will work)
portable band saw
sawsall
..anything else..
hacksaw (I'd put oxyacet torch above this)

This would be my first choice.

Dan

 

[B737]

do NOT use an oxy-acet torch ! There's no way anyone can make a perfect ,straight, clean cut. You NEED a PRECISE cut.......
If you have a sawzall/recip saw, buy a QUALITY metal cutting lade and it'll be cut in 5 minutes or less.

lol omg
it does not have to be PRECISE, it doesn't even need to be cut straight! its a freaking keyed PTO shaft. hack, debur, clean, grease done. lets not turn this into rocket science from your armchair.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

This would be my first choice.

Dan

View attachment 81784

True, but that wasn't on his list .

 

[RalphVa]

Main thing is to cut it about 1 inch shorter than directions say. Otherwise, it's too difficult to get the thing crooked to get it onto the PTO shaft.

I used a sawsall for both the plastic cover and the metal PTO parts.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Cut equal lengths off male and female side of the shaft!

 

[ctfjr]

I've used a hacksaw, sawzall, abrasive saw and portable bandsaw. For me the sawzall was the winner and as GreenvilleJay mentioned, a good blade helps. The hacksaw was too much work compared to the sawzall and the portable bandsaw was too heavy. I didn't like the 'fine' mess the abrasive saw left.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Awesome. Thank you all for the comments.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

This would be my first choice.

Dan

View attachment 81784

You are my hero and I think you won the inquiry. I wish I had a buddy with that in a shop. I have a saw all and cutoff wheel and I have a buddy with portable band saw…I think the bandsaw gives me the cleanest cut. Thanks.