PTO Shaft for Krone BiG Pack Large Square Balers 890, 1270, 1290, 1290 HDP, 1290 XC, 12130 HDP, 12130 XC

Reliable PTO Shaft for Krone BiG Pack Large Square Baler Models

PTO Shaft for Krone BiG Pack Large Square Baler Model: 890, 1270, 1290, 1290 HDP, 1290 XC, 12130 HDP, 12130 XC

The CMN Transmission PTO shaft for Krone square baler is a high-performance tractor PTO drive shaft designed as a direct-fit replacement for Krone BiG Pack large square baler models 890, 1270, 1290, 1290 HDP, 1290 XC, 12130 HDP, and 12130 XC. Built around a CAT 7/8 SFT SH series constant velocity assembly, this heavy duty PTO shaft delivers smooth, uninterrupted rotational power from your tractor to the baler plunger mechanism at up to 200+ horsepower and 1000 RPM. Whether you are baling dense wheat straw on expansive grain fields, processing heavy alfalfa in dairy operations, or compressing tough reed grass along waterways, this agricultural PTO shaft ensures consistent torque transfer with minimal vibration across demanding harvest conditions.

Engineered as a direct replacement of Krone PTO shaft and Walterscheid 2200, 2300, and 2500 series units, this PTO drive shaft features a 1.75-20 spline connection on both ends, a maximum torque rating of 6750 Nm, and an integrated overrunning clutch device for flywheel protection. The constant velocity joint design eliminates the cyclical speed variations common in standard universal joint shafts, reducing mechanical stress on your baler's gearbox and extending the service life of all connected drivetrain components. Each square baler PTO shaft ships with a full-length PTO shaft cover guard and is backed by CMN Transmission's ISO and CE certification, making it a trusted choice for commercial hay and forage operations worldwide.

Technical Specifications

Main Shaft: CAT 7/8 SFT SH Series Constant Velocity

This Constant Velocity PTO will operate efficiently at 200 Horse Power and beyond @ 1000 RPMs.

SH Series RA3 Overrunning Device

Main Shaft: CAT 6 Constant Velocity (2580 series)

2500 Series Overrunning Devices

	Part Number	Model	Diameter	Splines	Connection
	365421	F5/1R	1.750	6	Clamp
	112309	F5/2R	1.750	6	CC lock
	172693	F5/2R	1.750	6	CC lock

Replacement of Walterscheid 2300 PTO Shaft

Replacement of Walterscheid 2200 PTO Shaft

Replacement of Walterscheid 2500 PTO Shaft

Features of PTO Shaft for Krone Large Square Baler

• CAT 7/8 Constant Velocity Joint Design
  Unlike standard PTO shaft universal joint assemblies that create cyclical speed fluctuations during rotation, this constant velocity PTO drive shaft maintains uniform angular velocity throughout the full 360-degree rotation. This eliminates vibration-induced fatigue on your baler's gearbox input shaft and internal drive components, significantly reducing maintenance costs over multiple seasons of heavy commercial baling operations.
• 6,750 Nm Maximum Torque Capacity
  Rated at 6,750 Nm maximum torque, this heavy duty PTO shaft comfortably handles the high-load demands of Krone BiG Pack large square balers operating at 200+ HP. The robust torque capacity provides a substantial safety margin beyond normal operating loads, ensuring reliable performance when baling dense, wet, or compacted crop materials that create peak torque spikes during the plunger compression stroke.
• Integrated RA3 Overrunning Clutch Device
  The Bondioli & Pavesi RA3 overrunning device provides essential flywheel protection by allowing the baler's flywheel to free-spin when the tractor PTO is disengaged. This PTO shaft with slip clutch mechanism prevents dangerous reverse torque from the heavy flywheel from transmitting back through the driveline to the tractor's PTO gearbox, protecting both the tractor transmission and the operator from potential drivetrain damage or runaway shaft rotation.
• 75-Degree Operating Angle
  The SH 75-degree CV assembly accommodates extreme angular misalignment between the tractor PTO output and the baler input shaft. This wide operating angle is critical for large square balers like the Krone BiG Pack series, which require significant driveline articulation during turns, uneven terrain navigation, and transport mode where the drawbar angle changes substantially compared to in-field baling position.
• Direct Drop-in Replacement Fitment
  Engineered with 1.75-20 spline connections on both ends, this replacement of Krone PTO shaft requires no adapters, shims, or modifications for installation on compatible Krone BiG Pack models. The PTO shaft yoke dimensions, PTO shaft tube length, and overall collapsed and extended measurements precisely match factory Walterscheid 2200, 2300, and 2500 series units, allowing operators to swap the shaft in the field without specialized tools or dealer assistance.
• Full-Length Safety Shield Guard
  Every CMN Transmission PTO driveline shaft ships with a complete PTO shaft cover that fully encloses the rotating shaft assembly and universal joints. The non-rotating guard tube is essential for operator safety compliance with ISO 5674 standards and prevents clothing, hair, or debris from contacting the spinning shaft. The guard features integrated bearing supports at both ends for smooth, rattle-free rotation during operation, eliminating the annoying guard vibration common in cheaper aftermarket PTO shaft parts.

How Does the PTO Drive Shaft for Square Baler Work

A tractor PTO shaft functions as the mechanical link that transfers rotational power from your tractor's power take-off output to the input shaft of your Krone BiG Pack square baler. Understanding how this PTO driveline shaft operates helps you maintain it correctly and diagnose problems before they lead to costly downtime during critical harvest windows.

The power transfer sequence begins at the tractor's PTO stub shaft, which rotates at a standardized 1000 RPM PTO shaft speed when the operator engages the PTO clutch. The tractor-side PTO shaft yoke slides onto the 1.75-20 spline stub, creating a positive mechanical lock that transmits torque without slippage. The spline connection allows axial sliding movement to accommodate changes in the distance between the tractor and baler as the implement articulates over uneven ground, passes through turns, or compresses its suspension under load.

From the tractor-side yoke, torque travels through the telescoping PTO shaft tube assembly. This tube consists of two precision-machined profiles, one sliding inside the other, that allow the overall shaft length to change while continuously transmitting rotation. The tubes are typically a lemon-shaped or triangular cross-section profile rather than round, so they lock rotationally while permitting telescopic extension and compression. Internal grease channels and wear strips between the inner and outer tubes reduce friction and prevent metal-to-metal contact during telescopic movement.

At each end of the telescoping tube assembly, a PTO shaft universal joint or constant velocity joint connects the tube to the respective yoke. In this CMN Transmission shaft, the SH series 75-degree constant velocity assembly replaces the conventional pair of U-joints with a more advanced CV mechanism. Where standard PTO shaft u joint designs cause the driven end to speed up and slow down twice per revolution when the shaft is operating at an angle, the constant velocity joint maintains perfectly uniform output speed regardless of the operating angle. This is particularly important for large square balers because the plunger mechanism requires smooth, consistent input rotation to produce uniform bale density and prevent damaging shock loads on the gearbox.

At the baler end, the RA3 overrunning clutch device sits between the PTO shaft and the baler input stub. When the tractor PTO is engaged, the clutch locks and transmits full torque to spin the baler's flywheel and drive the plunger through its gearbox. When the operator disengages the tractor PTO, the overrunning clutch instantly releases, allowing the heavy flywheel to coast to a stop on its own inertia without back-driving the PTO shaft or the tractor's transmission. This protects the tractor PTO gearbox from reverse loading and prevents the dangerous situation of a freewheeling shaft spinning the tractor-side yoke after the PTO has been switched off.

Applications of Square Baler PTO Shaft

• Corn Silage / Corn Stover
  Baling corn stover and corn silage involves compressing thick, fibrous stalks that generate significant resistance in the baler chamber. The heavy duty construction of this agricultural PTO shaft withstands the repeated peak torque spikes that occur when corn stalks feed unevenly into the baler's pickup and compression chamber, preventing shaft failure during tough field conditions.
• Pasture Grass / Hay
  Pasture grass and hay baling forms the backbone of livestock feeding operations globally. Whether baling fine timothy hay or thick orchard grass, this PTO shaft for Krone square baler delivers consistent power transfer to maintain uniform bale density and weight across thousands of bales per season, ensuring your hay meets buyer or feed quality specifications.
• Silage
  High-moisture silage baling places extreme torque demands on the PTO drive shaft due to the heavy, compacted material density. This shaft's 6,750 Nm torque capacity handles the sustained high loads produced when the Krone BiG Pack plunger compresses wet grass or corn silage into dense, tightly wrapped large square bales for dairy and beef cattle feeding operations.
• Wheat Straw
  Wheat straw baling is one of the most common applications for large square balers worldwide. The dry, lightweight nature of straw allows for high-speed baling at full ground speed, putting the 1000 rpm PTO shaft through sustained high-RPM operation over long harvest days. The constant velocity joint design ensures smooth power delivery throughout these extended operating periods.
• Rice Straw
  Rice straw baling often occurs in soft, wet paddy field conditions where the tractor and baler experience significant articulation and angular displacement. The 75-degree CV joint angle on this tractor PTO shaft accommodates the extreme driveline angles encountered when baling on uneven, muddy paddy field surfaces where equipment sinks and tilts unevenly during operation.
• Alfalfa
  Alfalfa is a high-value forage crop that demands precise bale density control for quality preservation. The constant velocity PTO driveline shaft delivers smooth, vibration-free power that helps the baler maintain consistent plunger stroke pressure, producing uniform bale density essential for premium alfalfa markets in dairy, horse, and export hay operations.
• Reeds
  Baling reeds and other wetland vegetation requires a custom PTO shaft solution that can handle the tough, fibrous material without stalling. Reed baling often takes place on soft, uneven terrain near waterways, making the wide operating angle and constant velocity characteristics of this shaft essential for maintaining power delivery when driveline alignment changes constantly.
• Cotton
  Cotton module and large square bale pressing requires sustained high-torque PTO operation to achieve the bale density standards demanded by gin processing facilities. This square baler PTO shaft provides the reliable, high-torque power transfer needed for cotton baling operations where consistent bale weight and density directly impact logistics costs and gin processing efficiency.

Tractor PTO Drive Shaft Installation Steps

Proper installation of your new PTO shaft for Krone square baler is critical to ensuring safe operation, maximum service life, and warranty coverage. Follow this step-by-step procedure carefully. Always ensure the tractor engine is off, the PTO is disengaged, and the ignition key is removed before beginning installation work.

Step 1: Pre-Installation Inspection
Before installing the new PTO drive shaft, inspect both the tractor PTO stub shaft and the baler input shaft for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check that the 1.75-20 splines on both stubs are clean, undamaged, and free of rust or debris. Inspect the tractor PTO stub for proper runout using a dial indicator; excessive runout causes premature PTO shaft u joint wear. Also verify that the old shaft's removal did not damage the retaining mechanisms on either stub.

Step 2: Measure and Verify Length
With the tractor hitched to the baler in a straight line on level ground, measure the center-to-center distance between the tractor PTO stub and the baler input shaft. Compare this measurement against the new shaft's collapsed and extended length range to confirm proper telescopic travel. The shaft should never operate at its fully collapsed or fully extended position; maintain at least one-third overlap of the telescoping PTO shaft tubing at all times for structural integrity.

Step 3: Grease Before Assembly
Apply a generous coating of high-quality EP2 lithium complex grease to the inner and outer telescoping tube profiles before first assembly. Grease all PTO shaft universal joint cross and bearing assemblies through the provided grease fittings until fresh grease appears at all four bearing seals. Also apply a thin film of grease to both spline connections. This initial lubrication is essential and should not be skipped, as the shaft ships with preservative oil that is not sufficient for operating loads.

Step 4: Connect and Secure
Slide the tractor-side PTO shaft yoke onto the tractor PTO stub, ensuring the splines fully engage and the retaining pin or collar lock clicks into position. Then connect the baler-side yoke with the overrunning clutch to the baler input stub, securing with the tapered pin connection as specified. Verify that both connections are fully seated and locked by attempting to pull the shaft off each stub. Finally, ensure the PTO shaft cover safety guard rotates freely, the guard chains are attached to both the tractor and baler anchor points, and no portion of the rotating shaft is exposed. Start the tractor at low idle and briefly engage the PTO to verify smooth rotation before commencing baling operations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Vibration During Operation
Excessive vibration is the most common complaint with tractor PTO drive shaft assemblies and typically indicates worn PTO shaft universal joint bearings. Check for play in each U-joint or CV joint by gripping the shaft on either side of the joint and attempting to rock it. Any perceptible movement means the bearing caps need replacement. Other causes include a bent PTO shaft tube (check by rolling on a flat surface), incorrect phasing of the yoke ears (both yokes must be aligned in the same plane), or a damaged telescoping tube profile that causes an imbalance. If vibration only occurs at certain angles, the CV joint internal components may be worn and require professional inspection.

2. Shaft Will Not Telescope Smoothly
If the PTO shaft tubing resists extension or compression, the most likely cause is insufficient lubrication of the telescoping profiles. Disassemble the tubes, clean thoroughly, inspect for scoring or debris contamination, and re-grease generously. If the profiles show deep scoring or galling, the tubes are damaged and must be replaced. Another common cause is crop material or wire wrapping around the shaft and jamming between the inner and outer tubes. In cold weather, congealed grease can also restrict telescopic movement until the shaft warms up during operation.

3. PTO Shaft Shear Bolt Breaking Repeatedly
If your driveline uses a shear bolt PTO shaft or shear pin PTO shaft protection system and the shear bolts keep breaking, the root cause is usually an overload condition in the baler rather than a shaft problem. Common causes include: baler chamber blockage from oversized crop slugs, incorrect bale density settings that create excessive compression resistance, a damaged or misadjusted baler plunger mechanism, or incorrect shear bolt grade. Always replace shear bolts with the exact grade specified by the manufacturer; using harder bolts defeats the purpose of the overload protection and risks damaging the baler gearbox.

4. Overrunning Clutch Not Engaging or Releasing
If the overrunning clutch on your slip clutch PTO shaft fails to engage (baler does not receive power) or fails to release (shaft continues spinning after PTO disengagement), the internal roller or sprag mechanism may be contaminated with old grease, dirt, or corrosion. Remove the overrunning device, disassemble per the Bondioli & Pavesi service manual, clean all internal components with solvent, inspect rollers and springs for wear, and reassemble with fresh grease. If the internal ramp surfaces show pitting or wear, the complete unit must be replaced. Never operate a large square baler without a functioning overrunning clutch, as the flywheel back-drive can cause serious injury.

5. Clicking or Clunking Noise from CV Joint
A clicking or clunking sound from the constant velocity joint, especially during turns or when the driveline angle changes, indicates worn internal ball races or cage components in the CV assembly. This condition degrades power transfer efficiency and will worsen rapidly if ignored. Replacement of the CV joint assembly is typically required, as individual internal components are not separately serviceable in the field. Contact CMN Transmission for a replacement CV assembly matched to your specific PTO shaft sizes and model configuration.

Brand Comparison: Square Baler PTO Shafts

How CMN Transmission compares to leading PTO shaft manufacturers for Krone BiG Pack compatibility