PTO Shaft for Supreme Vertical Feed Mixers 1500TR, 1700TR, 1900TR

Reliable PTO Shaft for Supreme Vertical Feed Mixer Models

PTO Shaft for Supreme Vertical Feed Mixer Model: 1500TR, 1700TR, 1900TR

The CMN Transmission PTO shaft for Supreme Vertical Feed Mixers is a purpose-built tractor PTO drive shaft engineered to mate directly with the Supreme 1500TR, 1700TR, and 1900TR pull-type TMR mixing units. Operating at the industry-standard 1,000 RPM PTO speed, this heavy-duty PTO shaft transmits full engine output from the tractor to the mixer's two-stage planetary gearbox without power loss or excessive vibration. The PTO driveline shaft features drop-forged chrome-molybdenum alloy yokes, a 45# seamless steel telescoping outer tube, and a precision needle-roller cross-and-bearing assembly measuring 92 x 106 mm for extended service life under the cyclic loading typical of large-capacity TMR feed preparation.

This vertical feed mixer PTO shaft is the go-to solution across dairy farms blending high-moisture silage and grain rations, commercial beef feedlots processing coarse hay and distillers' grains, and contract feeding operations running multiple mixer cycles per day. The integrated slip clutch PTO shaft mechanism provides automatic overload protection when foreign objects enter the auger tub, preventing catastrophic drivetrain failure and minimising downtime. Available in custom PTO shaft lengths to accommodate different hitch-to-gearbox distances, this agricultural PTO shaft ships factory-assembled and pre-greased, ready to install on arrival. It is a proven, cost-effective replacement of Weasler PTO shaft and equivalent OEM units.

The original equipment is the Weasler 55N CV PTO shaft. But we can make high-quality replacements for Weasler 55N CV PTO shafts.

Main Shaft: Weasler CAT 6 Constant Velocity (Equal Arm)

Technical Specifications

Features of PTO Drive Shaft for Supreme Feed Mixer

1. Drop-Forged Cr-Mo Alloy Yokes
Both the tractor-end and implement-end PTO shaft yoke are forged from chrome-molybdenum alloy steel and then heat-treated to HRC 28-32. The forging process eliminates porosity and grain discontinuities that weaken cast yokes, resulting in a PTO driveline shaft yoke that withstands shock-loading spikes common when a heavy Supreme vertical auger engages packed silage. Dimensional tolerances are held to within 0.02 mm for precise spline engagement and long-term backlash-free operation throughout the service life of the shaft.

2. Ratchet Slip Clutch Overload Protection
The factory-fitted ratchet slip clutch PTO shaft disengages automatically when torque exceeds the preset threshold, protecting the tractor's PTO gearbox, the Supreme mixer's planetary drive, and the PTO shaft tubing from sudden overloads caused by rocks, wire, or frozen feed clumps. Torque can be field-adjusted by adding or removing friction discs without special tooling. A shear bolt PTO shaft conversion kit is optionally available for operations preferring direct-drive with mechanical shear pin protection.

3. Precision Needle-Roller Universal Joints
Each PTO shaft u joint uses full-complement needle-roller bearings retained in hardened steel bearing cups. The 92 x 106 mm cross-journal geometry matches the OEM specification for Supreme 1500TR/1700TR/1900TR drive systems. The PTO shaft universal joint is sealed with a dual-lip nitrile seal to keep grease in and field contamination out, extending re-greasing intervals by up to 40% compared to conventional unsealed designs and significantly reducing the risk of premature bearing failure in abrasive feedlot environments.

4. CE-Compliant Full-Length Safety Guard
The PTO shaft guard and outer PTO shaft cover are manufactured from high-impact UV-stabilised polypropylene and extend the full active length of the shaft. Retaining chains at both ends keep the guard stationary during operation, preventing entanglement hazards. The guard design complies with CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and OSHA agricultural equipment safety guidelines, a mandatory requirement for tractor PTO drive shaft systems in European, North American, and Australian markets.

5. Heavy-Gauge Telescoping Steel Tube
The PTO shaft tube assembly uses a 45# seamless carbon-steel outer and inner profile tube, giving the PTO shaft tubing high torsional stiffness with sufficient axial travel to accommodate hitch articulation during tight turns. The splined sliding interface is phosphate-coated and pre-packed with high-load EP2 grease to minimise galling on the PTO shaft dimensions contact surfaces. Tube overlap at minimum extension ensures safe operation across the full range of lengths required for the Supreme TR series.

How Does the Feed Mixer PTO Shaft Work?

1. Power Take-Off Engagement
Power originates at the tractor's PTO stub shaft, which rotates at 1,000 RPM when engine speed is maintained at the rated governor setting (typically 1,900-2,100 engine RPM). The operator engages the tractor PTO shaft via the cab-mounted PTO lever after confirming the mixer tub is clear. The 1-3/4" x 20-spline PTO shaft yoke slides onto the tractor stub shaft, locks with the quick-release collar, and immediately begins transmitting rotational force through the driveline. This connection must be made before the tractor moves close to the Supreme mixer to avoid tipping or impact damage to the PTO driveline shaft components.

2. Torque Transmission Through the Telescoping Tube
Rotational torque travels from the tractor-end yoke through the first PTO shaft universal joint into the outer PTO shaft tube. As the tractor moves or the hitch angle changes, the inner and outer PTO shaft tubing profiles slide axially while continuing to transfer torque through their splined or profile interface. This telescoping action ensures no binding occurs when the tractor articulates over uneven barn floors or feedlot surfaces. The PTO shaft sizes for the 1500TR/1700TR/1900TR series are engineered to maintain a minimum 150 mm of tube overlap at full extension, preventing separation under any operational angle combination.

3. Slip Clutch Overload Response
As torque is transmitted along the PTO driveline shaft, it passes through the ratchet slip clutch assembly positioned at the implement-side end. Under normal operation the friction discs clamp tightly and the clutch rotates as a solid unit. If a sudden shock load occurs when the Supreme auger contacts a dense hay bale core or a metal fragment falls into the tub, the torque spike exceeds the clutch slip threshold (factory-set at approximately 2,800-3,000 N·m). The clutch discs momentarily slip, absorbing the energy spike and preventing it from propagating upstream to the tractor PTO drive shaft gearbox or downstream to the mixer planetary drive. This mechanism is far more effective than a shear pin PTO shaft in repetitive overload scenarios since it resets automatically without part replacement.

4. Universal Joint Angle Compensation
At both the tractor end and the implement end, precision PTO shaft u joint cross-and-bearing assemblies allow the driveline to operate through angles of up to 25 degrees without introducing harmful cyclic speed variation. The needle-roller PTO shaft universal joint converts the angularity between tractor PTO shaft axis and mixer input shaft axis into smooth, near-constant-velocity rotation at the gearbox input. Correct phasing of the two U-joints (both yoke planes aligned in the same plane) is essential, and CMN Transmission assembles every PTO drive shaft for feed mixer with correctly phased yokes straight from the factory to eliminate this common aftermarket installation error.

5. Drive Delivery to the Supreme Planetary Gearbox
Finally, rotational power exits the implement-end PTO shaft yoke and enters the Supreme mixer's heavy-duty two-stage planetary gearbox via the gearbox input flange. The planetary system reduces the 1,000 RPM input to the slow, high-torque auger rotation needed to fold, cut, and blend the total mixed ration. The matched feed mixer PTO shaft and feed mixer gearbox work as a system; under-specifying either component leads to premature wear. CMN Transmission can supply both the PTO shaft for Supreme TMR mixers and the corresponding feed mixer gearbox as a matched pair to eliminate compatibility uncertainty and simplify procurement.

Applications of PTO Shaft for TMR Feed Mixer

1. Dairy Farms
Large commercial dairy operations running Supreme 1700TR or 1900TR mixers depend on a reliable PTO shaft for TMR feed mixer to deliver multiple batches of balanced ration daily. High moisture corn silage, wet brewer's grains, and alfalfa bales create high starting torques that demand the CAT6 rating and slip clutch protection of this heavy-duty PTO shaft. With herds of 500 to 2,000 cows requiring precise nutritional consistency, any drivetrain failure is economically costly, making the quality and reliability of this 1,000 PTO shaft critical to daily milk production targets.

2. Beef Cattle Operations
Commercial beef feedlots and cow-calf operations use the Supreme 1500TR and 1700TR to mix high-energy finishing rations containing dense commodities such as whole corn, distillers' grains, and coarse-chopped wheat straw. The rugged telescoping PTO shaft tube and forged yokes handle the full-load torque demands typical of dense beef rations, while the slip clutch guards against metallic objects that occasionally enter bale material. With tractors commonly running at 130-200 hp, this tractor PTO shaft is sized to extract every available horsepower from the power source safely and reliably season after season.

3. Sheep & Goat Enterprises
Intensive sheep and goat production enterprises that use the Supreme 1500TR for mixed-ration feeding of ewes in lamb or milking goat herds require a vertical feed mixer PTO shaft that operates smoothly at consistent speed to achieve ration homogeneity. Inconsistent particle size sorting in small ruminant diets can lead to sub-clinical acidosis, making stable PTO driveline shaft speed crucial. The quality-certified components and precise universal joint phasing of this shaft maintain smooth, vibration-free power delivery across the full mixing cycle.

4. Horse & Equine Operations
Equine feed centres and large racing stables that use a Supreme vertical mixer to blend custom hay-and-grain rations for performance horses appreciate the quiet, low-vibration operation that the precision needle-roller PTO shaft u joint assemblies provide. Horses are sensitive to environmental stress, and a smooth, consistent mixer operation contributes to a calm barn environment. The agricultural PTO shaft is also suitable for bedding mixing operations where straw and dust generate abrasive particles that challenge lesser-quality unsealed bearing designs.

5. Swine (Pig) Operations
Large-scale swine finishing and sow-gestation units increasingly use vertical TMR mixers to prepare wet-dry rations from co-products such as bakery waste, liquid whey, and dry cereal grains. These liquid-heavy rations can surge unexpectedly inside the tub, creating momentary torque spikes on the PTO drive shaft for feed mixer. The ratchet slip clutch in this CMN Transmission PTO shaft with slip clutch absorbs those spikes reliably across hundreds of cycles per week, protecting the high-value feed mixer gearbox and avoiding the costly downtime that a snapped shear pin PTO shaft creates during peak feeding schedules.

Installation Steps

1. Pre-Installation Inspection
Before fitting the new PTO shaft for Supreme feed mixer, inspect the tractor's PTO stub shaft and the Supreme mixer's gearbox input shaft for wear, corrosion, and spline condition. Clean both shafts with a wire brush and apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to the spline contact area. Check that the PTO shaft dimensions (collapsed and extended length) match the distance between the tractor's PTO stub shaft and the mixer input flange with the hitch at normal working position (typically 25-30 cm clearance from the tractor rear panel to the first yoke face in the connected position).

2. Length Verification
Fully disconnect the mixer from the tractor and measure the distance from the tractor PTO stub shaft face to the Supreme gearbox input shaft face with both components at their working height. The correct assembled PTO shaft length should allow a minimum 1/3 overlap of the inner and outer PTO shaft tubing at full extension and no binding at full compression. If the shaft is too long in the compressed position, contact CMN Transmission for a custom-length PTO shaft tube cut-to-fit service. Never shorten a shaft without re-checking tube overlap safety margins.

3. Attaching the Tractor-End Yoke
Align the 1-3/4" x 20-spline tractor-end PTO shaft yoke with the tractor PTO stub shaft. Push the yoke firmly onto the splines until the spring-loaded locking collar clicks positively into the groove on the stub shaft. Tug the yoke rearward firmly to confirm the locking collar is fully engaged. An incompletely locked yoke is the most common cause of PTO shaft separation in the field. Never rely on a worn or corroded locking groove - replace the tractor stub shaft if the groove depth is below specification before connecting the agricultural PTO shaft.

4. Attaching the Implement-End Yoke
Connect the implement-end PTO shaft yoke to the Supreme mixer's gearbox input shaft using the same lock-and-click procedure. The slip clutch assembly is located at this end of the PTO driveline shaft. Ensure the clutch friction discs are correctly seated and the spring retaining bolt torque is within the recommended range (refer to the CMN Transmission torque specification sheet shipped with the product). Mis-set clutch spring torque results in either nuisance slipping under normal load or inadequate protection during genuine overload events.

5. Fitting the PTO Shaft Guard and Cover
Slide the PTO shaft cover (outer plastic guard) over the assembled shaft and secure the retaining chains: one chain to a fixed point on the tractor (not to the PTO stub shaft itself) and one chain to a fixed point on the mixer frame. The PTO shaft guard must be free to remain stationary while the inner shaft rotates. Verify the guard does not contact the ground, the mixer tub, or the tractor hitch linkage during sharp turns. Replace any cracked or missing sections of the guard immediately since a damaged PTO shaft cover is not compliant with CE or OSHA safety requirements.

6. Initial Lubrication Check
CMN Transmission ships every agricultural PTO shaft pre-greased with EP2 lithium-complex grease. Before first use, apply three to five strokes of EP2 grease to each of the three Zerk fittings (both cross-and-bearing PTO shaft u joint assemblies and the sliding tube) to purge any air introduced during shipping. Wipe away excess grease from the shaft surface to prevent it from attracting soil and chaff that can abrade the PTO shaft tubing profile surfaces. Check that the slip clutch friction faces are free from grease contamination, as a greased clutch will not slip at the correct torque threshold.

7. First Run and Operational Check
With all personnel clear of the driveline, start the tractor and engage PTO at low engine speed (approx. 800 RPM) with the mixer tub empty. Listen for any vibration, knocking, or grinding that could indicate a misaligned PTO shaft universal joint, loose yoke connection, or incorrect guard chain tension. Gradually increase to full 1,000 RPM PTO speed and allow the mixer to run for two minutes. Stop the tractor, shut down, remove the key, and re-check all yoke locking collars, guard chain attachment points, and Zerk fittings for proper seating before loading the mixer with feed material. Document the installation date and shaft serial number for warranty records.

Tractor PTO Shaft Maintenance Tip

1. Universal Joint Lubrication (Every 8 Hours)
The PTO shaft u joint cross-and-bearing assemblies require EP2 lithium-complex grease applied via the Zerk fitting at every 8 operating hours or daily during intensive multi-batch feeding operations. Apply grease until fresh grease appears at the seal lips on all four bearing cup faces. Grease purging confirms the old grease and contamination have been displaced. Operating a PTO shaft universal joint without adequate lubrication is the single largest cause of premature needle-bearing failure, significantly increasing replacement PTO shaft parts costs and unplanned downtime.

2. Sliding Tube Lubrication (Every 50 Hours)
The telescoping inner and outer PTO shaft tube profiles must be greased every 50 operating hours. Separate the two halves of the PTO shaft tubing by pulling them apart, clean the splined or profile surfaces with a dry cloth to remove any grit, and apply a generous coat of EP2 grease before reassembly. Avoid spray-on lubricants for this application since they lack the viscosity and load-carrying capacity needed on the PTO shaft dimensions sliding surfaces of a CAT6 shaft operating under 3,000 N·m peak torque.

3. Slip Clutch Inspection (Seasonal / 200 Hours)
Inspect the ratchet slip clutch PTO shaft mechanism at the start of each feeding season or every 200 operating hours. Disassemble the clutch, clean the friction disc faces with isopropyl alcohol, check disc thickness (replace if below 2.5 mm), and re-torque the clutch spring retaining bolt to the specified setting. A worn clutch that slips below the correct torque threshold imposes continuous slipping losses on the PTO drive shaft while failing to protect the drivetrain from genuine overloads. If a shear bolt PTO shaft option is fitted, carry spare bolts and replace immediately after any overload event.

4. Guard and Cover Inspection (Monthly)
Inspect the PTO shaft guard and PTO shaft cover every month for cracks, missing sections, worn retaining chains, and seized bearing surfaces on the guard support rings. A cracked guard that catches on the rotating shaft can generate enormous secondary forces. UV-stabilised polypropylene guards will still degrade in intense direct sunlight after 3-5 years of outdoor storage - replace proactively before visible cracking appears. Spare guard sections for the standard PTO shaft sizes used on Supreme mixer models are available from the CMN Transmission PTO shaft parts catalogue.

5. Yoke and Spline Inspection (Annual)
Once per season, remove the PTO driveline shaft completely and inspect both the tractor-end and implement-end PTO shaft yoke splines for wear, fretting corrosion, and deformation. Maximum allowable backlash on a 1,000 rpm PTO shaft yoke connection is approximately 3 degrees; excess backlash indicates spline wear requiring attention before the next operating season. Apply Molykote or equivalent anti-seize compound to yoke splines during reassembly. The annual inspection is also the correct time to check any PTO shaft adapter fittings for wear or corrosion.

Common Faults & Troubleshooting

1. Excessive Vibration During Operation
Vibration in the PTO drive shafts is most commonly caused by an operating angle that exceeds the recommended maximum for the PTO shaft universal joint (typically greater than 25 degrees on CAT6 shafts). Check the hitch height relative to the mixer drawbar to ensure the PTO driveline shaft operates as close to horizontal as possible. Also check for worn or dry needle-roller bearings in the PTO shaft u joint assemblies since worn bearings cause a characteristic vibration at twice the shaft rotational frequency. Re-grease the U-joints and reassess. If vibration persists, replace the cross-and-bearing kits from the CMN Transmission PTO shaft parts catalogue. Bent or kinked PTO shaft tubing caused by a previous overload event can also introduce rotational imbalance; replace the shaft assembly if any visible deformation is present.

2. Slip Clutch Continuously Slipping Under Normal Load
If the slip clutch PTO shaft slips repeatedly during normal mixing cycles rather than only under genuine overload, the clutch spring pre-load has fallen below specification. This can happen over time as friction discs wear and compress permanently. Disassemble the clutch, measure disc thickness, and replace discs that are below the minimum wear limit. Re-torque the spring retaining bolt to the specified setting. Check that no grease has contaminated the friction disc surfaces since even a small amount of EP2 grease on the disc faces will reduce the effective clutch torque dramatically. Nuisance slipping reduces PTO shaft efficiency and generates heat that accelerates disc wear and eventual clutch failure.

3. Difficulty Sliding the Telescoping Tube
If the inner and outer PTO shaft tube profiles become stiff or impossible to slide axially, the sliding surface is likely contaminated with dry soil, chaff, or rust. Separate the tube halves completely, clean with a stiff nylon brush and solvent, and reapply EP2 grease generously to both profile surfaces. If corrosion pitting is visible on the PTO shaft tubing contact faces, lightly dress the surface with emery cloth and apply corrosion-inhibiting grease before reassembly. Operating a binding tube causes the tractor PTO shaft to operate at an excessive constant angle, accelerating U-joint bearing wear. If profile surface wear exceeds 0.5 mm radially, replace the sliding tube assembly.

4. Clicking or Knocking Sound from the Driveline
A repetitive clicking or knocking in time with shaft rotation usually indicates worn needle-roller bearings in the PTO shaft universal joint. Remove the cross-and-bearing assembly, inspect the needle rollers for pitting, flat spots, or cage fractures, and check the bearing cup bores for scoring. Replace both cross-and-bearing kits simultaneously even if only one appears worn since unmatched wear states between the two PTO shaft u joint assemblies introduce vibration and uneven loading. CMN Transmission maintains stock of cross-and-bearing kits to the 92 x 106 mm specification for the Supreme mixer PTO shaft sizes. A knocking sound at low speed that disappears at operating speed may also indicate a loose PTO shaft yoke locking collar - re-check tractor stub shaft locking groove depth.

5. PTO Shaft Disconnects Under Load
Unexpected disconnection of the agricultural PTO shaft from the tractor stub shaft under load is extremely dangerous and must be investigated immediately. The most common cause is a worn tractor PTO stub shaft locking groove that no longer holds the yoke quick-release collar. Measure the groove depth - if below 2.0 mm, the tractor stub shaft must be replaced before the tractor PTO drive shaft is re-engaged. A second cause is a fatigued quick-release spring inside the PTO shaft yoke that no longer generates sufficient retention force. Replace the yoke locking assembly from the CMN Transmission PTO shaft parts supply. After any disconnection incident, inspect the full driveline for impact damage before returning the equipment to service.

Feed Mixer PTO Shaft & Feed Mixer Gearbox

The feed mixer PTO shaft and the feed mixer gearbox are the two essential components of the mechanical power transmission system in every pull-type TMR vertical mixer. Understanding how they function together is critical to correct specification, installation, and long-term maintenance of the Supreme 1500TR, 1700TR, and 1900TR drivetrain.

The PTO drive shaft for feed mixer acts as the mechanical bridge between the tractor's power take-off and the mixer's gearbox input shaft. It transmits the full rated horsepower of the tractor at 1,000 RPM across the variable distance and angular offset between tractor and mixer. The shaft's telescoping tube compensates for distance change during operation, while the twin PTO shaft u joint assemblies compensate for angular misalignment. The integrated slip clutch protects the downstream gearbox from torque spikes that would otherwise destroy the planetary gear sets.

The feed mixer gearbox receives this 1,000 RPM input and reduces it through a two-stage planetary system to the slow, high-torque auger speed needed for effective mixing - typically 8-18 RPM at the auger shaft. The gearbox also serves as the structural anchor for the auger and must carry both the rotational drive loads and the radial and axial loads generated by auger-material interaction. For Supreme large-frame models, the gearbox is a heavy-duty unit rated for extreme load cycles of three-auger TMR mixing at up to 250 hp input.

Matching the PTO shaft for Supreme TMR mixers to the correct gearbox is not merely a physical fit question - it is a system engineering requirement. An under-rated PTO shaft paired with a gearbox designed for higher torque will fail prematurely, while an over-rated shaft paired with a lighter gearbox may transmit shock loads that destroy the gearbox. CMN Transmission supplies both the agricultural PTO shaft and the compatible feed mixer gearbox as a matched drive system, with technical documentation confirming torque ratings, spline compatibility, and recommended operating parameters for each Supreme mixer model in the TR series.

Whether you need a standalone PTO driveline shaft replacement, a complete feed mixer gearbox overhaul kit, or a turnkey drive system for a new Supreme 1900TR build, CMN Transmission has the engineering capability, certified manufacturing processes, and global logistics network to deliver the right components on time. Our custom PTO shaft service means we can modify PTO shaft length, yoke type, and overload protection type to meet any OEM or aftermarket specification with short lead times.

Why Choose CMN Transmission's Agricultural PTO Shafts?

CMN Transmission is a specialist manufacturer of agricultural PTO shafts, feed mixer gearboxes, and driveline components with a proven track record of supplying premium-quality PTO drive shafts to customers across 53+ countries on six continents. Our facilities operate under ISO 9001, CE, and TS16949 quality management systems, meaning every heavy-duty PTO shaft that leaves our factory has been manufactured, inspected, and documented to internationally recognised standards. These certifications underpin our ability to deliver consistent dimensional accuracy, metallurgical traceability, and performance predictability across every batch, whether you are ordering a single replacement shaft or a container of OEM units.

What sets CMN Transmission apart in the competitive PTO shaft for feed mixer market is our combination of engineering depth and commercial flexibility. We maintain complete in-house processing equipment for forging, heat treatment, machining, surface treatment, assembly, and final testing. This vertical integration means we control every variable that affects PTO shaft dimensions, material properties, and assembly quality. Our technical team can design and validate a custom PTO shaft to your exact specification with short development cycles, making us a credible OEM partner for machinery manufacturers as well as a reliable aftermarket source for farm operators worldwide.

We understand that in livestock feeding operations, equipment downtime is a direct threat to animal health and farm profitability. That is why we invest in logistics partnerships that enable 7-to-15-day global delivery on standard configurations and maintain technical support availability to answer installation and maintenance questions quickly. Our PTO shaft parts catalogue covers cross-and-bearing kits, slip clutch friction discs, guard replacement sections, and PTO shaft adapter inserts, ensuring a fast repair path when individual components require replacement. From the first inquiry to post-installation support, the CMN Transmission customer experience is designed around the realities of commercial farming.

Whether you need a PTO shaft for Supreme TMR mixers, a replacement of Weasler PTO shaft, or a complete matched drivetrain system including the feed mixer gearbox, CMN Transmission delivers engineering quality, competitive pricing, and reliable global supply in a single source. Join the thousands of livestock operations across North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond that trust CMN Transmission to keep their Supreme vertical feed mixers running at full capacity, season after season.

• Certified Quality
  ISO 9001, CE, and TS16949 certification across all product lines. 100% pre-shipment quality inspection with full traceability documentation available for OEM and commercial customers.
• Global Supply Chain
  Exporting to 53+ countries across six continents with established logistics partnerships delivering standard configurations in 7-15 days globally. Dedicated export documentation support for all markets.
• Custom OEM Solutions
  Full custom PTO shaft engineering capability: any length, any yoke, any overload protection type. OEM programs from 10 units with branded packaging and technical documentation. Short development cycles with in-house testing.

FAQ

Q: What PTO shaft category is required for a Supreme 1500TR, 1700TR, or 1900TR vertical feed mixer?
A: Supreme 1500TR and 1700TR pull-type vertical mixers require a minimum of a CAT6-rated PTO drive shaft for feed mixer operating at 1,000 RPM. The 1900TR, with its larger capacity and 180-250 hp power requirement, specifically demands CAT6 to handle peak torque safely. Using an under-rated shaft such as a CAT5 unit risks drivetrain failure, guard non-compliance, and potential personal injury. CMN Transmission supplies CAT6 agricultural PTO shafts pre-configured for all three Supreme TR models.

Q: Is this a direct replacement of Weasler PTO shaft on the Supreme feed mixer series?
A: Yes. The CMN Transmission PTO shaft for Supreme feed mixers is engineered to the same 1-3/4" x 20-spline, CAT6, 1,000 RPM specification as the original Weasler unit. It is a verified replacement of Weasler PTO shaft and is dimensionally equivalent to Walterscheid, Bondioli & Pavesi, and Comer Industries equivalents. No adapter or modification is needed for direct installation on the tractor stub shaft and Supreme gearbox input shaft.

Q: What is the correct PTO shaft length for the Supreme 1700TR and how do I measure it?
A: The correct PTO shaft length is determined by measuring the distance from the face of the tractor PTO stub shaft to the face of the Supreme mixer gearbox input shaft flange, with the hitch connected and at normal working height. The assembled shaft should have a minimum of 1/3 tube overlap at maximum distance and must not bottom out at minimum operating distance. CMN Transmission's standard collapsed length for Supreme TR series shafts is approximately 1,380 mm. Contact our team if you need a custom PTO shaft length for non-standard tractor configurations.

Q: What is the difference between a slip clutch PTO shaft and a shear bolt PTO shaft for feed mixers?
A: A slip clutch PTO shaft uses spring-loaded friction discs that slip automatically when torque exceeds the preset threshold and then re-engage without any manual intervention. This is the preferred overload protection for TMR feed mixing since overload events can occur multiple times per day. A shear bolt PTO shaft uses a sacrificial bolt that fractures permanently on overload, requiring the operator to stop, find the correct replacement bolt, and re-fit before resuming. For busy dairy and beef operations, the slip clutch design offers significantly less downtime.

Q: How often should I grease the PTO shaft u joint on a Supreme vertical feed mixer?
A: For intensive TMR mixing applications, the PTO shaft u joint cross-and-bearing assemblies should be lubricated with EP2 lithium-complex grease every 8 operating hours or at the end of each working day. Apply grease until fresh grease appears at all four bearing cup seal lips. Over-greasing is not harmful; under-greasing is the primary cause of premature needle-bearing failure. Replace the cross-and-bearing kits at the first sign of play, clicking, or vibration regardless of the remaining service interval.

Q: Can I order a custom PTO shaft length or custom yoke type for a non-standard tractor configuration?
A: Absolutely. CMN Transmission's custom PTO shaft manufacturing service allows customers to specify exact PTO shaft dimensions including collapsed length, extended length, tractor-end yoke spline profile (for 540 PTO shaft or 1,000 RPM standard applications), implement-end flange type, overload protection type (ratchet slip clutch, shear pin PTO shaft, or friction clutch), and guard style. OEM programs from 10 units. Contact the CMN Transmission technical sales team with your mixer and tractor specifications for a custom quotation within 24 hours.

Q: Does this PTO shaft work with a 540 PTO shaft configuration or only 1,000 RPM?
A: The standard PTO shaft for Supreme feed mixer models 1500TR, 1700TR, and 1900TR is configured for the 1,000 rpm PTO shaft standard. A 540 PTO shaft operates at lower speed and cannot deliver rated power safely to a large-capacity vertical mixer without exceeding tractor limits. The Supreme TR series is designed exclusively for 1,000 RPM PTO operation. If your tractor only has a 540 RPM output, a speed-up gearbox would be required, which is not a recommended configuration for this application.

Q: What does the CE certification on the PTO shaft guard mean for export markets?
A: CE certification confirms that the PTO shaft guard and PTO shaft cover design comply with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which mandates that all rotating power transmission components on agricultural machinery sold or operated in European Union member states must be guarded to a standard that prevents accidental operator contact. For export to Australia, CE certification is also widely recognised as evidence of compliance with AS 4024 machinery guarding standards. CMN Transmission CE-certified guards meet or exceed all major international safety benchmarks including OSHA agricultural equipment requirements.

Q: What is a PTO shaft adapter and do I need one for the Supreme mixer installation?
A: A PTO shaft adapter is a coupling insert used when the tractor PTO stub shaft spline profile does not directly match the implement-end yoke bore. The CMN Transmission PTO shaft for Supreme TMR mixers is supplied with 1-3/4" x 20-spline yokes at both ends as standard. If your tractor has a smaller spline stub shaft, a reducing adapter is available from CMN Transmission's PTO shaft parts catalogue. Always confirm tractor stub shaft dimensions before ordering to avoid installation delays.

Q: How do I know when to replace the PTO shaft tube or full assembly?
A: Replace the PTO shaft tube or full assembly immediately if you observe: visible bending or kinking of the tube, cracking or fractures in the PTO shaft yoke, spline wear exceeding 3 degrees of rotational backlash, needle-bearing failure in the PTO shaft u joint that causes knocking or vibration, profile surface wear on the telescoping tube exceeding 0.5 mm radially, or significant corrosion pitting on the cross journal. CMN Transmission offers expedited replacement shaft shipping to minimise operational downtime.

Customer Reviews

Marcus Hollingsworth, Farm Manager, United States
"We run a Supreme 1700TR on our 2,200-cow dairy and go through a PTO shaft every few years from sheer cycle count. Ordered a CAT6 replacement from CMN Transmission after our Weasler unit wore out its U-joints mid-season. Fit was perfect - slid straight onto the 1-3/4 inch 20-spline stub without any adapter. We're now about 340 hours in across two full TMR seasons and the shaft feels as solid as day one. The slip clutch has tripped a couple of times when we accidentally left a bale string in the tub, and it reset without any drama. Build quality is definitely on par with the OEM unit. Would order from CMN again without hesitation."

Lachlan Fitzpatrick, Feedlot Manager, Australia
"Lead time from local suppliers was six to eight weeks. CMN had it to me in Queensland in under two weeks, which genuinely surprised me. We were running a Supreme 1900TR on a 5,000-head beef feedlot and the original shaft finally gave up after four years. The CMN replacement CAT6 unit was well packed, came pre-greased, and the guard was all intact. Took about 45 minutes to fit and we were back making ration the same afternoon. Price was significantly better than what the local dealer wanted. Shipping speed alone makes them worth recommending."

Hendrik Brouwer, Dairy Farmer, Netherlands
"I was a bit hesitant buying a PTO shaft from a supplier I hadn't used before, but a colleague in Friesland recommended CMN and I'm glad I listened. We have a Supreme 1500TR on our 480-cow dairy. I ordered a replacement shaft and requested a custom collapsed length of 1,420 mm because our tractor geometry sits slightly further back than standard. CMN confirmed the custom dimension by email within one day and delivered exactly as requested. The shaft is now running 220 hours in with absolutely no issues. Very professional company to deal with."

Rainer Kessler, Agricultural Contractor, Germany
"As a contract TMR feeder running two Supreme 1900TR mixers full time, I put enormous hours on PTO shafts. The ISO 9001 and CE certifications were important to me because we operate commercially and need documentation for liability purposes. CMN provided all certification paperwork promptly and the shafts themselves have not disappointed. I particularly appreciate the quality of the needle-roller U-joint assemblies - they are properly sealed and grease retention is notably better than some other aftermarket units I have tried. After 18 months and approximately 900 hours across both shafts, zero failures. Will continue buying from CMN."

Seamus O'Callaghan, Dairy Co-op Manager, Ireland
"We supply TMR mixing services to twelve member farms across County Cork and Tipperary, so our Supreme 1700TR gets hammered through the spring flush period. Had a shaft failure on a Friday morning and needed a replacement fast - messaged CMN via email and had a response with an invoice within a few hours. The shaft arrived in Dublin five working days later, impressive from Asia. Guard cover is thicker than expected and the chains are a good length. Nothing fancy, just solid equipment that works. Fair price, good service, fast enough delivery for a critical spare. That's all I need."

Craig Templeton, Sheep Station Owner, New Zealand
"We run a Supreme 1500TR for ewes-in-lamb feeding through the winter and recently replaced our ageing driveline. Wasn't expecting much from an aftermarket shaft honestly, but CMN changed my mind. The yoke forging quality is impressive - noticeably more refined than the Chinese aftermarket unit I tried two years ago. Slides onto our John Deere 6155R PTO stub beautifully, no slop in the spline, guard fits neatly and doesn't rattle at 1,000 RPM. The price saving compared to the Walterscheid unit I was quoted locally was substantial. Very happy and would buy again."

Jean-Pierre Morin, Dairy Farmer, France
"I manage a 650-cow dairy operation in Brittany with a Supreme 1900TR mixer. After three seasons our original PTO shaft needed replacement. A French machinery dealer quoted a price that was difficult to justify when I found CMN Transmission online. Placed the order for a CAT6 heavy-duty shaft and it arrived in excellent condition with all packaging intact. The technical datasheet confirmed all specs matched what was described on the website. Installation was straightforward. Five months in the shaft is performing perfectly through high-moisture maize silage rations. Will definitely order from CMN again."

Tyler Bergmann, Hog Operation Manager, Canada
"Running a Supreme 1700TR on a 3,200-sow operation in Saskatchewan to mix wet co-product rations. Liquid whey and bakery waste create pretty wild surge loads on the driveline, so the slip clutch on this CMN shaft has been earning its keep. It tripped maybe four times in the first year and each time reset cleanly. The shaft tube and U-joints feel very well made - now at 410 hours with no bearing noise or grease leaks. Had a question about the clutch torque setting a couple of months in and CMN technical support replied clearly and quickly via email with the correct adjustment procedure. That after-sales support matters when you're running a critical operation."

Rodrigo Albuquerque, Nutrition Manager, Brazil
"We operate a Supreme 1900TR on a 8,000-head beef feedlot in Mato Grosso. The original OEM PTO shaft wore out after five years of daily use. I contacted CMN through their website and the response was prompt and detailed - they confirmed the exact CAT6 specification for our mixer model and provided a quotation including Brazil shipping within 24 hours. Import documentation was handled smoothly. The shaft arrived in 12 days, much faster than any local supplier could offer. Product quality was as described - heavy yokes, good guard, all Zerk fittings correctly positioned. Eight months in, zero issues. Very reliable supplier."