PTO driveshaft balance concern ?

[carmanic]

Hi all, part of resurrecting the most abused, broken and neglected Mott flail mower was reworking the sliding driveshaft that connects the PTO output drive to the 90 degree gearbox on the mower. To make a long story short, to remove the outer sleeve section I had to split it along the edges to loosen it's rusty grip on the inner shaft, then used a combination of oil, heat & a ball pein hammer to tap it free. Once cleaned & oiled the inner & outer sections slid together smoothly, so then it was just a matter of repairing the sections I'd split by welding short sections of 90 angle over the splits. Which finally brings me to my question;

Should I be concerned about the balance of this frankensteined driveshaft as it whirrs away just inches from my left kidney ? And if am justified in my concern, other than constructing a cage around the frankenshaft or finding a better replacement driveshaft, what options are there ?

As usual, thanks in advance ~

Daren Stone
San Andreas, Ca.
'58 Cub Lo-Boy

[Barnyard]

I would find a driveline shop and replace the outer shaft, That angle iron is gonna throw that shaft way out of balance. The shaft can vibrate so bad you will either shut it down and get off the tractor or continue until the universals explode and shoot shrapnel everywhere including toward your kidney.

[ScottyD'sdad]

The PTO tuens at engine speed, so I'd be concerned about balance. If it was a low seed shaft, not so much of a concern, but 1200 to 1800 rpm, is a dangerous speed.

Ed

[radioguy41]

I would find a driveline shop and replace the outer shaft, That angle iron is gonna throw that shaft way out of balance. The shaft can vibrate so bad you will either shut it down and get off the tractor or continue until the universals explode and shoot shrapnel everywhere including toward your kidney.

[Gary Dotson]

I have to agree with Bill, find a driveline shop and do it the right way.

[Urbish]

As a mechanical engineer, I agree with all the above opinions.