Stuck PTO

transformer · #1 03-30-2010, 11:26 PM

After I got my 129 running today I noticed the pto is stuck.When I say stuck I mean will not disengage.I also noticed its different than the other tractors I have as in it has a brake on the paddle instead of a fiber or brass button.Has anyone got one of these unstuck without taking her apart?Or am I looking at froze bearing that even if I get unstuck will go bad in a month so I might as well tear it down now put a bearing locking collar and disc in.Ive only been into the one on my 70 and it was a nightmare from start to finish so needless to say Im not looking forward to it.Any tips or tricks to this would be well thanked..Oh and one more thing is this style of pto a improvement over earlier models? With that Im leavin it with you guys..Thanks Randy

Yosemite Sam · #2 03-31-2010, 01:33 AM

One thing on your side is that there could be 9 or ten less years of rust and corrosion holding this one on. Other than that don't expect this one to be all that much different than the last one (sorry, I wish the news were better for you).

It's impossible to tell what the actual problem is without being there, and sometimes it's impossible to tell until you take it apart. If the disk is rusted or just stuck somehow, to the casting and/or pressure plate you might get by with a couple of "sharp" but not too hard, blows with a brass hammer to the front pulley/casting, but I wouldn't expect any miricals. Chances are, you're in for a tear down and rebuild. On the bright side, you'll have a great working pto that will last 30+ years when you're finished. How cool will that be!

Good luck with it.

MBounds · #3 03-31-2010, 08:29 AM

Transformer: The blade brake feature was added to late model 1x8/9 series models because of OSHA requirements. It has a different thrust button but after you get past the brake parts that's the only difference. Make sure when you reassemble bearing surfaces and anything on that PTO that has threads: USE ANTI-SIEZE ON THEM!!

Myron B

transformer · #4 03-31-2010, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the reply Yosmite Sam,What your saying is what I was thinking good general rule of thumb is nothing fixes itself...lol.I was also thinking I could use this like it is for a while.The tractor has the mule drive with handle on the spring loaded pully with the notch in it so I could start the tractor without any tension on the belt then pull the handle and take it out of the notch to put the tension back on the belt to start mowing.The use of it may break it loose probably not the best of ideas but it will work and in the mean time everytime I park it give a shot of PB blaster on those dreaded set screws.Dont have room in the shop right now the 70 has got it filled at the moment.

transformer · #5 03-31-2010, 09:12 AM

Thanks for the info Mbounds and yes to the anti sieze.Thats a must on these and the roll pins for me.

jfinney · #6 03-31-2010, 10:26 AM

Transformer,
I don't necessarily advocate this, but I did what I had to when my 149 PTO wouldn't disengage. My tractor would actually start with the mower deck belt on and tensioned, so I would just start it with the PTO in the disengaged position and then "engage" the PTO after the tractor was running. That way I didn't have to fiddle with any belts. I should say that the fiber button was gone and the rockshaft arm was not pushing on the thrust button on the PTO.
Finally got a friend to help me fix the PTO on mine (I had tried a different PTO and set per the manual, but it didn't work). Turns out that when the PO put the bearing on it was missing the little snap ring that stopped it from going back too far on the shaft. Then, even though it was adjusted properly and the bearing was good, the end of the shaft was touching the back of the pressure springs and keeping the PTO engaged all of the time. Since then, no problems. Hope you get yours fixed up soon.
Jason

transformer · #7 03-31-2010, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the info Mr Finney the snap ring could be the culprit but knowing my luck its probably the bearing...Im gona try to just make due for a little while with it till I get the 70 rollin so I'll have room in the shop for the 129 so I can just rebuild then I'll know what I have..

jfinney · #8 03-31-2010, 09:19 PM

Whoa...no Mr. Finney. I'm too young to be called Mr. That's my dad and Grandpop. Good luck with the PTO.

transformer · #9 04-05-2010, 08:08 PM

Well I couldnt let it go I had to go ahead and see if I could get it apart and fix it right.So far I managed to get the 6 set screws out but the clutch assembly itself wont budge.Its different in the aspect of the 70s front end was off I could get my puller on the thing and get it off. This one because of the way the frame is cant get a straight pull on there any kind of way.Is there something Im missing here.The service manual acts like this thing should just come off in your hand and this my second pto so it makes me wonder if Im doing something wrong.

Yosemite Sam · #10 04-05-2010, 09:32 PM

transformer, the answer is YES! The part you are missing is; the one in the service manual is brand new and doesn't have 30 years of rust and stuff in it to bind on!!! I too hate the way the manual acts like things should just fall apart when you take the fasteners out...

Penetrating oil, patience and a gentle tap with a brass hammer.

I think someone has a homemade puller that they say they have had good luck with.

Don't break that casting... You'll hate yourself in the morning if you do.