Trouble attaching PTO on RCK54-32 mower to B2601

[RaulPNW]

Hi all, new member here, very experienced with tractors and implements. All the videos I've seen showing how to hook up the mower deck PTO on my configuration shows young men with long arms reaching in from the side of the tractor and slipping the mower PTO onto the tractor PTO shaft with no problem. I have shoulder issues, and can't do that, and wonder if anyone has an easier work around than sliding underneath the tractor like I've been doing. Thanks.

 

[Tire Biter]

Hmmm. I don’t think there’s any way to attach it without getting under. I take a big piece of cardboard and lay it up over the deck and lay down and attach it. it’s not a pleasant task for sure. Of course make sure the deck is not up in the air.

 

[Jchonline]

I don’t have any direct experience with this, and I am sure it lengthens your overall PTO connection. However given your shoulder circumstances I wonder if it might be a better option. Not cheap either.

Easy PTO quick connect for tractor attachments

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Looks like they don’t actually have one that fits a B series yet, but it is coming soon lol.

PTO Link® Compact System - Duo Bundle (1 Tractor & 1 Implement Coupler) - PTO Link

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[orange crusher]

Try driving the rear wheels up on a 4x4 leaving the mower on the ground. That additional height clearance makes it easier to reach up in there to connect to the pto. It really made a difference on my BX so it should work on your B as well.

 

[rkidd]

On my B2650 the easiest way by far is to go in from the rear of the tractor and attach the mid pto shaft from the mmm. It is wide open going in this way.

 

[Dave_eng]

My friends is older than I am and very arthritic. In his workshop he has two hydraulic lifts. One for cars, A GMC suburban and lawn tractors (6,000#) and the other for his motorcycle.

When I help him with projects I am always amazed at how much easier it is to work on machinery when you can get it to the right height.

Recently we replaced the drive shaft on a TG1860 which necessitated removing body work as it was impossible to reach the shaft.

On the motorcycle lift we installed new chain and sprockets on a 450 Honda + new brakes. Again, sitting in a chair beside the elevated motorcycle was easy compared to my shop where I am lying on the floor. Getting down on the floor is hard. Getting back up is next to impossible.

Both lifts are easily moved around the shop so they are not permanently using space. The bigger lift he found at a bargain price because it had a 50 cycle electric motor. I felt it would run on Canada's 60 cycle power and it has for years.

Dave

 

[RaulPNW]

Thank you all for these very helpful suggestions. I will try to drive the rear tires up on blocks and see if that makes it easier. I'm probably going to buy a mechanic's creeper, but that still involves getting on the floor and as Dave_eng noted, then you have to get back up! Also, I usually keep the box blade on the 3 point and that further complicates accessing under the tractor from the rear.

 

[Tim Horton]

I also did the throw a piece of old carpet on the deck, crawl on top of that and complain a lot afterwards..

It helped to keep both the male and female ends of the mating parts scrupulously clean.. Using an old tooth brush or other means.. Also keep the outside of the female end clean so the spring loaded ring slides as easily as possible and the retaining balls move freely..

Good luck..

 

[RaulPNW]

I also did the throw a piece of old carpet on the deck, crawl on top of that and complain a lot afterwards..

It helped to keep both the male and female ends of the mating parts scrupulously clean.. Using an old tooth brush or other means.. Also keep the outside of the female end clean so the spring loaded ring slides as easily as possible and the retaining balls move freely..

Good luck..

Thanks Tim

 

[michigander]

I tried an experiment tonight I wanted to grease deck without removal

Deck set to -0- on car oil changing ramps.

the PTO did have to be taken off rear to grease, lots of room leaning against the deck on drivers side.

 

[RaulPNW]

I tried an experiment tonight I wanted to grease deck without removal

Deck set to -0- on car oil changing ramps.

the PTO did have to be taken off rear to grease, lots of room leaning against the deck on drivers side.

View attachment 63111

Nice photo, thanks, I'm definitely going to raise the tractor the next time I need to attach or un-attach the PTO.

 

[Henro]

I also did the throw a piece of old carpet on the deck, crawl on top of that and complain a lot afterwards..

It helped to keep both the male and female ends of the mating parts scrupulously clean.. Using an old tooth brush or other means.. Also keep the outside of the female end clean so the spring loaded ring slides as easily as possible and the retaining balls move freely..

Good luck..

I have found a little bit of light oil on both the coupler and the PTO shaft also helps...in addition to Tim's excellent advice.

 

[RaulPNW]

I have found a little bit of light oil on both the coupler and the PTO shaft also helps...in addition to Tim's excellent advice.

All of these suggestions have helped a lot, thanks again. I built ramps/blocks to raise the rear tires off of the floor 5” and that now makes it possible to connect or disconnect the mid PTO from the side. And thanks for the reminder to keep the coupler and PTO shaft scrupulously clean and lubricated.

Here are some photos of additions I made for the B2601; a front loader extender, rear view mirrors and a bucket level indicator. The extender pictures are after moving over 100 yards of damp mulch, so it has held up better than I expected. I wanted to use plywood for the sides but didn’t have enough on hand and refuse to pay the going rate for plywood, so I used the OSB instead. I learned I needed to keep the box blade on for counter weight. The mirrors are for a golf cart from Amazon, and they have been very useful.

 

[RCW]

I wanted to use plywood for the sides but didn’t have enough on hand and refuse to pay the going rate for plywood, so I used the OSB instead.

I hear around here OSB is bringing serious coin...even more than plywood.....

Either way...better keep that extender under lock & key with armed guards.........

Somebody would steal your extender and leave the tractor!!!

it also looks really cool and handy!