PTO slipping

[MisterB]

The PTO that drives the mower deck on my `78 Baron 7014S keeps coming loose and the mower stops working. There is a rather large nut holding the assembly together that keeps backing off no matter how tight I snug it up. I'm told this is not the right nut for this but I don't know what correct one is. Anyone have an idea? Would thread locker keep this from loosening up? I've attached a picture to help clarify ;-)

[UCD]

Get a self locking nut of the correct size. There are 2 types one has a nylon insert in it the other has punch marks on the sides either style should work. You can all so use some blue thread locker on it

[Dutch]

How are you tightening it? Are you holding the nut on the other side of the shaft? If not, you're probably not getting it tight enough. Do you know your mower belt is in the wrong sheave?

[MisterB]

I put a wrench on the nut on the opposite end of the shaft and tightened it up as snug as possible, yet it continues to loosen up within a few minutes of mowing. As for the belt placement, I believe that the sheave I put it in is where it was located when I got the tractor 6 years ago. It seems to work (except for the nut loosening up) fine in either one but if it's in the wrong spot I'll move it before next use...which might be awhile if the weather forecast is correct!!

[Dutch]

quote:

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Originally posted by MisterB
I put a wrench on the nut on the opposite end of the shaft and tightened it up as snug as possible, yet it continues to loosen up within a few minutes of mowing.

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Then you need a lock nut, as Maynard stated, or use LocTite. You could also squeeze your nut in a vise to make it slightly egg shaped. Just be careful not to squeeze too much, and don't cross the threads when reinstalling.

quote:

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Originally posted by MisterB
As for the belt placement, I believe that the sheave I put it in is where it was located when I got the tractor 6 years ago. It seems to work (except for the nut loosening up) fine in either one but if it's in the wrong spot I'll move it before next use...

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The outer sheave is for the tiller belt. The outer sheave is slightly wider than the inner sheave. Therefore, the mower belt will sit deeper and be looser than it should be.

[MisterB]

Thanks, I knew there had to be a reason for two sheaves on that pulley! I'm going to try a locking nut w/ loctite and see if that helps. Thanks for the info and useful suggestions.

[BillC]

I suggest holding the drive shaft between the engine and the bevel gear box from turning by placing a pry bar in the front or rear couplings and torque the existing locknut to 45-55 ft-lbs per the parts manual. If the nut comes off after that, then I sugesst replacing the locknut with a new one, Simplicity part no. 1922133.

[goatfarmer]

You're lucky you still have the shaft with the stud and nut.Mine was broken off years ago,and we had to drill and tap the shaft for a bolt to hold the clutch together.

[MisterB]

It's hard to tell from this small picture, but the entire machine is really in excellent condition for it's age. Still has the original engine, etc. The mower deck was repainted when it was rebuilt some years ago and now again this year (minus the re-paint). I've considered stripping it down and restoring the machine, but since I actually "work" it, seems like alot of effort just to mess it up again. :) I bought it about 6 years ago from a "little old lady". She and her husband had a very big yard, about 2.5 acres with an old farmhouse on the property. The remaining outbuildings had been demolished when the bulk of the farm had been sold for business development. Anyway, she enjoyed riding the tractor and mowing the grass. She was getting on in years and had decided to let someone else assume the responsibilities and sold the tractor w/mower deck to me. I've been using it ever since with only routine maintenence required. As a reult of membership to this web site, I now have a snow thrower for it as well and hope to add a tiller to my collection this year. I guess this is how some of the rest of you got started, huh??