Hi, I have an interesting problem with my compact tractor. I have purchased a backhoe attachment and have mounted it on the tractor three point hitch in the correct position ( with difficulty). The problem is that the distance between the detent on the intput shaft of the backhoe and the tip of the PTO shaft on the tractor is 18 inches. The PTO shaft supplied if shortened to this length would have no protective outer tubing left. Another PTO shaft listed as a 510mm shaft can be shortened to nearly this length and still have nearly the minimal 1/3 protective tubing length left ( 1/4 inch short of the minimal overlap). The drive is vitually in line and the Backhoe is fixed i. e. the lifting function is non operational on the hitch. This is why it was difficult to mount without the hydraulic pump linked to the tractor.. Any advice is very welcome. Thanks