Super M PTO

Anonymous-0 · Jul 3, 2008

Hello,
I picked up a 1953 Farmall Super M yesterday at an auction. This is my first tractor, so forgive me if I ask things that end up having simple (stupid) solutions. I'm mostly going to use it for snow removal, it does have a full hydraulic loader on it. The only thing I have not been able to get to work so far is the PTO. When sitting with everything off (yes, engine included)...in or out of gear, the shaft can be freely spun by hand. When running the tractor in any gear, the PTO does nothing. I do plan on getting a manual for the tractor ASAP but thought I'd say Hi on here (as a new Super M owner) and see if there were some quick ideas on what to look for. I'd like the PTO to function for use with a mower for my horse pasture. This particular Super M is not the TA version.

glennster · Jul 3, 2008

there should be a rod and lever at the pto shaft that runs up to just by the seat. that rod engages the ppto. the pto is not "live" ie clutch must be out for it to work. with the tractor off, pull the rod and see if the pto engages, it should not turn when in gear with the engine off. if ok, start the tractor, ease the clutch out and see if the shaft turns.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 3, 2008

Thanks Glennster!
I did some searching for photos of the PTO (I'm at work right now and can't look right at mine) and it turns out the whole PTO lever is missing on mine. I thought it had something to do with that "stub" by the shaft. Have to take a closer look when I get home and see if it's something that can be worked with...or if I need to start a used part quest.

mkirsch · Jul 3, 2008

There is probably a reason for the missing lever. Farmers tended to remove the levers from things that didn't work (and they didn't need), to prevent other operators from trying to use them.

It is very likely that there is something wrong internally.

Red Mist · Jul 3, 2008

(quoted from post at 10:48:02 07/03/08)
There is probably a reason for the missing lever. Farmers tended to remove the levers from things that didn't work (and they didn't need), to prevent other operators from trying to use them.

It is very likely that there is something wrong internally.

Yep. Convert it to 12 volt! mike

CenTexFarmall · Jul 3, 2008

There's a detent button in there than can slip out and cause the pto to be stuck on all the time or off all the time. If one tries to force it in this condition, the outside lever can twist off of the actuator shaft. Don't ask how I know this!

Fortunately the Pto is easy to work on. The whole assembly can be removed straight out the back. Putting it back in is slightly trickier but no big deal. If you are at all mechanically inclined the system is not hard to work on.

If you can park the front of tractor downhill or in a ditch you can take the pto out without losing any oil. Since you just got it, you may be thinking about changing the oil in the rear anyway and you can do it then on level ground.

Obtain one of the I&T brand manuals for your tractor. You'll need it for other things too.

Worst case scenario is if the splines on the end of the transmission counter-shaft are damaged but I don't think that's likely.

Dan Bear Kelley · Jul 3, 2008

Welcome aboard! I'm rather new to the hobby, too. I've only had my M since 2002. This is absolutely the right place to ask any question, and this board seems to have a policy, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask." I've asked some hum-dingers in the past few years, and this board has always been patient with me.

Super M PTO

Anonymous-0

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glennster

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Anonymous-0

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mkirsch

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Red Mist

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CenTexFarmall

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Dan Bear Kelley

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