Grinding noise when the PTO is engaged.

[fredthecoonkiller1]

Why does the PTO make a grinding noise when engaged?

[Scrivet]

If the grinding noise is when you are moving the lever to engage the PTO then it's because the driveshaft is still turning after you pushed the clutch. Wait a couple seconds before trying to move the PTO lever.

If the grinding noise is after you have engaged the PTO then you most likely have some wear in one or more of the PTO components. The hardened pin on the side of the lever that fits in the collar. The collar itself. The splines on the end of the driveshaft.

[Smokeycub]

Scrivet is on it. An additional thought though, does the trans grind at all when you put it in gear? If the clutch isn't fully disengaging things will grind. Like Scrivet said everything should stop rolling in a couple of seconds after the clutch pedal is pressed all the way down.

If it's grinding after it's engaged then you've got internal trans related issues. If there's too much tension on the end of the PTO shaft the bearings and/or pilot bushing will whine but shouldn't grind. Is there any play at the end of the PTO shaft?

More info may help.

[Brendan In NC]

iv had trouble on my 64 while mowing when i go to engage the PTO the leaver want to stop half way and i end up having to let off the clutch them pull it back real easy to keep it from grinding guess its a normal problem i just be real careful on it.

[Trent M]

iv had trouble on my 64 while mowing when i go to engage the PTO the leaver want to stop half way and i end up having to let off the clutch them pull it back real easy to keep it from grinding guess its a normal problem i just be real careful on it.

That happens because the PTO shaft and main shaft splines aren't synchronized. You could also reach back and move your PTO pulley by hand to get them to synch. Be careful if you've already been mowing, it might be real hot from belt friction.

But yeah, if it grinds while trying to engage, the main shaft hasn't stopped ... wait for it to stop. If it does it while engaged, its another problem. Personally, I've had it happen and the hardened pin that Scrivet mentions was worn down to almost nothing, so it wouldn't hold the collar onto the main shaft.

The PTO system is very simple. The engage rod moves the lever with the hardened pin ... the pin moves the collar ... the collar couples the main shaft to the PTO shaft. That's it. Remove the PTO shaft and take a look in there.

[muleboss]

Might be as simple as a dry bearing.

[Matt Kirsch]

Is the PTO turning while grinding, or just grinding?