Ford 730 hack job. Stripped coupler splines

Yes Ive committed some of the hacking...

My Ford 3000 came to me with the 730 loader already installed. Early on in my ownership (about 8 years ago) the loader would make a grinding sound and the loader wouldnt lift. I looked up front and noticed the coupler was spinning on the shaft. After taking it off I saw the splines were worn, and the coupler wasnt very far engaged on the shaft. So I did the right thing and got some longer bolts and washers. I pushed the engine side coupler on the shaft more which bought me 8 years.

So now to today. Its been doing the same thing. It grinds when there is any load on it at all. Two things I noticed when I took it apart. First the shaft is even more worn than before (surprise right lol). Also the shaft coming from the engine is very sloppy side to to side. I can wiggle it and make it hit the sides of the hole it comes through.

On the tractor it looks like this splined shaft comes through a tunnel in the loader. I cant see where it connects to the front of the engine. I would assume the right thing to do would be to replace this splined shaft.

I also think my pump bracket is slightly bent forward, which creates an uneven mating surface with the splines. I think thats whats wearing them down.

I tried to find the parts diagram that shows the breakdown of these parts but didnt see the splined shaft or where it connects to the engine. I noticed our host sells some splined shafts for the 730 loader. Maybe thats what I need. But is there also supposed to be a bearing or bushing where it comes through to where the coupler is?

Hope I explained that enough. Thanks in advance.

There is a flange on engine just like them 2, may or may not have rubber bushings in it. Yes there will be wobble in shaft to allow for mis alignment. The shaft is 7/8-13 splines both ends and so is pump.
Pumps are pricey. That Cessna pump is NLS. There is aftermarket avaible. I did have P/N for replacement at one time.

(quoted from post at 20:21:39 08/01/21) There is a flange on engine just like them 2, may or may not have rubber bushings in it. Yes there will be wobble in shaft to allow for mis alignment. The shaft is 7/8-13 splines both ends and so is pump.
Pumps are pricey. That Cessna pump is NLS. There is aftermarket avaible. I did have P/N for replacement at one time.

Click to expand...

Ok so some wobble to the shaft is normal then. One of these days Ill take the shaft out that goes to the crank pulley and see how long it is. Then Ill get a new one, and a new coupler.

That hyd pump still works, but when it dies Ill probably just take the loader off the tractor. Its more a pain than its worth.

Also the bucket is all rusty and has holes. If I could find a smaller bucket Id be a lot happier with it. Its too big for the tractor.

I basically have the same setup on my 3000. Has had the same loader on it for over 40 years. Mine is old enough still uses the old Vickers vane pump. I can help you with part numbers and where to get them. Too long for me to write on here. If no one else helps send me an email at [email protected] or call me at 936/577-6728. I'm around a lot of noise during the day so if I don't answer leave me a message.

Ok thanks!

I wonder if these parts would help you out.
Splines are 7/8 in and shaft is 10 3/8 in
long. Bolt circle on the hubs is 4 in.
Used but splines are very good yet.
I don't remember where this came from. Been
in a drawer for a dozen or more years.
If you or someone here could use it
I would let it go for a 6 pack of my
favorite pale ale plus a $17 USPS flat rate
box.
My email is always open in Classic view.

and ford made two shafts, a shorter one and a longer one.. so be sure to measure, and get the correct shaft. I believe after all these years, it takes the longer of the two, but dont bet on that.