P.T.O. Shaft bearings.

Mach Two

I have a P.T.O. shaft on an Amazone fertilizer spreader and the bearings are about to give out. It is the bearing that is nearest the machine. Problem is I can't see any retaining clips to remove the universal joint. Any ideas as to how I remove the joint.

I can't take the shaft off the machine either as it is seized on to the drive going in to the gearbox.

blue5000

Any chance of photos?

Mach Two

Photos would be a good idea. On their way.

hopeso

It sounds more like it's the universal joint that's worn, as opposed to a bearing?

Mach Two

Photos of the joint.

K.G.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058241691/p-t-o-shaft-bearings

But won't you have to take off the drive off the shaft to get the bearings off the shaft anyway .I'd suggest heating it to get it off

Mach Two

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118926879#Comment_118926879

If I knew how to take the universal joint out I may not have to take the pto off the machine.

rs8

Be hard done id say .. you really need to put the new joint in with a bench vice/ press etc. You could be luck with a solid hammer and sockets but wouldn't hold out hope.

zetecescort

have you removed the grease nipple from the end of the pto shaft. it acts like a grub screw holding the pto onto the shaft of the spreader

link to amazone manual - page 110 MG7300_zax03_en1 (amazone.de)

Mach Two

I am just after finding a hex screw. Probably holding in universal joint on to the machine shaft. So a bit of WD 40 for a couple of days and we will see what happens.

Just wondering could the clips be rusted out of it. There seems to be a groove on the inside of the housing.

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058241691/p-t-o-shaft-bearings

I can't take the shaft off the machine either

Failure is not an option here.

To change the UJ bearings the shaft must come off

Power wash that flange, visibility is poor

Those Amazone's have a flange yok that usually has a retaining bolt

https://www.fastparts.ie/pto/components/end-yoke/flange-yoke-aw10-amazone-420.010901

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118927774#Comment_118927774

They are hard enough done on a bench, be almost impossible on the ground with sockets and a hammer.

There would be a few needles missing from the cups by the time the UJ is back together, doing it on the ground 😅

K.G.

You mean the uj is in trouble not a bearing in the spreader.i thought it was a bearing of the spreader.in my view changing it on the spreader could only be done by a top class operator. they are thing that you can only do once cause they go wrong ........may as well get another cross

rs8

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118928098#Comment_118928098

It probably could be done though.. like if you could set it up to knock it through with a socket and big socket the other side to receive it/ brace it and had it off be a start. Like wise brace it and push the caps in with a bottle jack .. would be awkward no dought and probably waste most of the day doing it. 2 pairs of hands would also be required

blue5000

OP if you are trying to get the pto shaft off the spreader I think you have to squeeze /pull the ring nearest the spreader (bottom pic) towards you. Spray some penetrating oil into the 3 holes. There is a little ball bearing in there that is probably corroded with fertiliser. Spray some on to the male stub shaft there as well. You have to move the ring forward and keep it held forward while you are pulling it off.

Are the bearings gone in the spreader or do you just need a new cross in the UJ?

Mach Two

I am lost blue5000. What ring? Now I think that where the Allen key screw is,is actually not an Allen key screw/grub screw. It is difficult enough to see it because of the position of it. I will post more pictures tomorrow.

It isn't one of those PTO shafts that come off by pulling the locking mechanism towards you.

patsy_mccabe

The universal joint should have needle bearings on the 4 tips of the cross. This video shows it. Are these the bearings that have gone?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYGWy9IIKXY

Mach Two

Yes patsy.

patsy_mccabe

To me it looks like the PTO shaft is held on with a rolled pin. My newish Cosmo spreader is that way. You have to beat out this pin with a slightly smaller punch.

As for taking apart the universal joint, there may be protective caps on over the circlips. As in your lower photo. Try opening or gently tapping one from the side with a chisel.

Mach Two

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118928082#Comment_118928082

Super stuff "zetecescort". I think you are correct. The grease nipple is broken off leaving a screw with a hole that appears to be a grub screw with an Allen key hole. I don't see/feel any internal lines/grooves in the hole. I will look a bit closer tomorrow.

Mach Two

More photos.

The first photograph is opposite to the other two.