[Christian]

Hi Folks,

I've recently bought a well used, rear mounted PTO driven disc mower (not sure about the make). It came with a broken PTO shaft that needs replaced. But how? Here's a photo of the connection. There was a small pin in there that went through the bolt - I've taken that out. Should I now be able to simply pull the old shaft off, or is it somehow screwed on? The thread on the bold (if that's what it is) looks damaged (flattened) - will that go?

Thanks a lot!

Christian 

[Forestlens]

Hard to tell from the photo but that flattened “bolt” is probably a pin that is driven out. Unless there’s a hexagonal head on the other side of it. It may be easier said than done. There looks to be a castellated nut behind it. The purpose of the bolt/ pin is to prevent the castellated nut from turning. You may have to resort to heat as well as a good hammer or even drill it out.
If the PTO yoke is in good shape then it might be easier to separate the universal joint to replace the shaft!

Good luck  !

[chrismahon]

It would normally be a split pin inserted through the nut and a hole in the thread. Having said that I have seen a nail used and that does look like a nail head? I'd get a blow torch on it and a wire brush so you can see better. What can you see on the other side?

[Christian]

You guys are amazing, thank you!

So yes, there is a castellated nut behind a split pin. I got the pin out no problem. So I guess I should now be able to unscrew the castellated nut? Is it a normal thread (unscrew counter clockwise)? And then pull it off? I do like the idea of separating the joint instead - looks easy on youtube....

[chrismahon]

A Left Handed thread has caught me out many years ago- Mini rear wheel bearings. So don't be afraid to tighten the nut if it refuses to budge as you expect it to. When I was an apprentice I was told to tighten a rusted nut before unscrewing it- has always worked for me.

[Forestlens]

That’s good news! The next challenge is finding a spanner/socket to fit that nut! Heat may well be needed at that point! On the plus side there does seem to be plenty of oil about so it may be a non-event!