PTO shields

One thing that has always frustrated the hell out of me is these damn plastic PTO shields.:x I would like to keep them in place for safety but they seem to be designed just to aggravate me. The older implements with metal shields seem to last forever and are virtually problem free in my experience.
Every time I try to replace one of the plastic types it’s a nightmare to find parts that fit. I currently have two shafts that the guards are totally destroyed on. The plastic one on my brush hog seems to destroy itself routinely.
I stopped at 2 tractor supplies today but neither had enough parts of any one type to make even one complete shield of any kind. Is there anyone online that has the shields and has a site where you can actually identify what the parts are that you want.
Maybe I’m doing something wrong. It’s my understanding that they are designed to NOT rotate with the shaft and you should hook the chains up to something to prevent them from turning. That is also why they have little plastic zerk fittings on them. Is this not correct? I’ve actually tried it both ways but the one on the bush hog will get wrapped up with grass and weeds and stop turning anyways. Then it’s just a matter of time before it tears itself to bits.
I'd like to find a better solution.
Sorry for the long post but just needed to rant a little tonight.
Tim

I don't profess to get very excited about them and I have never tried to grease one, but I did find out that they do have bearings that wear out and that they are easy to replace. You can pretty much just pry each of three out with a screwdriver in about 5 seconds and the new ones just slip right in.

I tried chaining ours when the cutter was new, and then I decided that wasn't going to work for long, so I let them rotate. We do not have a problem with anything wrapping up but that's a different situation. as long as they are free to rotate they should be safe, if your clothing starts to wrap it should stop them. Good luck!

I bought a Reese Drum mower a few years ago, and the bells are so big you can not grease the U joints,unless you take the pto shaft off and bend it 90 degrees. I hate them. Also I don't think anyone will be getting into the shaft on a 3 point mower,the drum knives will chop your feet off before you get there.

I am going to get nailed by the Safety Police but I don't use them . You shouldn't be off tractor with the PTO engauged. Allways disenguage PTO & turn off engine before getting off tractor & never go around turning PTO shaft. also don't let anyone around tractor or PTO while tractor is running.

Sorry I don't have a solution for you, and I totally agree. This modern plastic junk is just trouble. The only machines I have (with PTO's) which set outside are grain augers. The plastic will actually get and hold moisture between the shields and freeze. Have to pound on them to break the ice. Even just cold weather seems to effect them.
I have a brand new 15' Bush Hog and the big obnoxious shield near the tractor is already showing signs it won't last long. I repaired one just like it for a neighbor on his Schulte mower(in return for when I used to use it) and I see it's already gone.

Ditto. TDF

I hate the plastic shields also. Maybe I should look into producing steel shields for old and new equipment alike.

I agree with you that is why the hack saw came out three years ago and the big bell was history, and the ujoint got greased everyday, and no one has got hurt either.

I don't think I have seen any shield that I have been happy with! Many of mine have become unusable, unrepairable. Just have to be careful to SHUT IT OFF EVERY TIME!

Drill a hole through the shield to provide access to the zerk. Some come that way.

Can you take some galvanized heating vent pipe and wrap the plastic or repair the shield? Different sizes and lengths and its cheap at home cheapo and lowest. Buy the flats so you wrap them.