Pto shaft change out

[KRK]

I have a 54 TO 30 and would like to change out my Pto shaft with a new 1 3/8 Pto shaft. What is the process? Do I need to split the tractor or can I pull it and reinsert the new PTO shaft?
 

[Richard L]

If it is not twisted inside it is a simple change. Put the front wheels down in a small ditch not to deep just enough to move the oil toward the front a little and block the rear wheels. Then remove the PTO shaft it may take a good pull to get it out then put the new shaft in and reinstall the four bolts. Sounds simple anyway.
 

[Jeff-oh]

The procedure is quite simple.

Drain or park the tractor as Richard said.

Pull the 4 cap screws on the back.

Pull out.

That is all.

It can some times be tough to get started and a screw driver in the hole in the shaft can give you some leverage.

I do not believe that the PTO"s get the fwd splines twisted internally as some have claimed. I do believe that some of the fwd spines were not cut deep or wide enough and were forced in with a hammer at manufacture and are a real *&($%^#@()&$ to get out. I was helping a neighbor pull the PTO on an 8N this summer. We used slide hammers and what ever to get it out. On examination it was perfect not a burr or any deformation in the splines.

We put two other PTO"s in that tractor and they slipped right in. However that same PTo stopped at the same point each time it was put into two other pump cams we had.

Anyhow if it does give any trouble there are ways to pull it with out damaging stuff in the pump.

Jeff
 

[John(UK)]

Sorry Jeff, I don't think that they would force the PTO shaft into the tractor like that on production, they would just throw the shaft out and use another, they would not have time to mess around like that. The problem that you had would be that the shaft did have a slight twist in it. The tolerance on the splines is very small to prevent rattling when the Pump is working, just a slight twist would have caused that problem...John(UK)...fergusontractors@hotmail.com
 

[Jeff-oh]

John,

I personally inspected that PTO and there was no twist. The splines were straight.

The shaft bound up at the same point in all the tractors and we did not force the issue that day. However, when the tractor was assembled it only took 3 firm whacks with a 3 lb hammer to put it in place. That I can easly perceive the line guys doing.

Just examining the shaft I have a hard time seeing why a PTO would fail there. It is one of the stouted areas of the whole shaft. If a twist were to occur I can see it happening in the necked down section or at the aft end, just not at the front.

I can certainly not say it will necver happen. Based on my one real, and personally examined data point, I will, however, challenge the common wisdom that is quoted, and offer another explination.

Anyhow, that is what makes this all so fun, the learning, friendly debate and problem solving.

If I ever get a free momment at work perhaps I can do some load calculations or even FE model the shaft. That could be interesting.

I hope all is well with you and your family John,
Jeff
 

[John(UK)]

All is OK (sort of) right now, Thank You for asking. I hope that all is well at your end with your and yours and that you haven't had any probems due to the big storm..John(UK)