PTO Shaft for Krone Round Balers KR100, KR130, KR155, KR160, V 1500, V 1500 MC, V 1800 MC

Reliable PTO Shaft for Krone Round Baler Models

PTO Shaft for Krone Round Baler Model: KR100, KR130, KR155, KR160, V 1500, V 1500 MC, V 1800 MC

The CMN Transmission PTO shaft for Krone round baler is a precision-engineered tractor PTO shaft designed as a direct-fit replacement for Krone round baler models KR100, KR130, KR155, KR160, V 1500, V 1500 MC, and V 1800 MC. Available in CAT3 (Size 4) and CAT4 (Size 6) constant velocity configurations with a standard 1.375-6 spline connection, this PTO drive shaft delivers smooth, reliable power transfer from tractor to baler at 540 RPM. Every shaft is factory-matched with friction or cutout clutch protection rated between 1000Nm and 1800Nm, safeguarding both your tractor drivetrain and baler input against shock loads during heavy baling operations.

Whether you are baling dry hay on flat pastures, handling wet silage on sloped terrain, or processing straw behind a combine harvester, this round baler PTO shaft is built for the task. The constant velocity (CV) joint design ensures uniform rotational speed regardless of operating angle, eliminating vibration and premature wear that standard Hooke-type PTO shaft universal joints can cause at steep angles. Backed by ISO and CE certification, this heavy duty PTO shaft is the preferred choice for commercial farming operations, agricultural contractors, and livestock producers who demand continuous, trouble-free performance throughout the baling season.

Technical Specifications

Main Shaft: Constant Velocity with Clutch

Constant Velocity PTO Shaft

Krone Round Balers are equipped with a friction or cutout clutch.

Baler Input Requirements

FT Clutches for 1.375-6 spline input

	Universal Size	Torque nm
	CAT3 / S4	1000nm
	CAT3 / S4	1000nm
	CAT4 / S6	1800nm

Features of PTO Shaft for Krone Round Baler

1. Constant Velocity (CV) Joint Design
Unlike standard Hooke-type universal joints that produce speed fluctuations at working angles, the constant velocity PTO shaft u joint in this driveline shaft maintains uniform rotational speed throughout its angular range. This eliminates harmful vibration, reduces stress on baler gearbox input bearings, and extends the service life of the entire PTO driveline shaft assembly, particularly when operating on uneven terrain or at elevated hitch angles.

2. Integrated Overload Clutch Protection
Each slip clutch PTO shaft is fitted with a friction clutch (FT series) or cutout clutch (K64/2), precisely calibrated to the torque demands of its Krone baler model. Rated from 1000Nm to 1800Nm, the clutch absorbs sudden shock loads caused by blockages or foreign objects, protecting expensive tractor and baler drivetrain components from catastrophic damage without requiring PTO shaft shear bolt replacement.

3. Direct-Fit Replacement for Krone OEM Shafts
Engineered as a precise replacement of Krone PTO shaft original equipment, this agricultural PTO shaft matches OEM spline profiles, collapsed and extended shaft lengths, and yoke dimensions. The 1.375-6 spline PTO shaft yoke fits Krone baler input stubs directly without any adapter, shimming, or modification, reducing installation time and eliminating compatibility guesswork for models KR100 through V 1800 MC.

4. Heavy-Duty PTO Shaft Tube Construction
The telescoping PTO shaft tube is manufactured from cold-drawn seamless steel tubing with tight dimensional tolerances and a hardened surface finish. This PTO shaft tubing resists bending fatigue and corrosion even under continuous high-load baling conditions, delivering extended service intervals compared to standard aftermarket PTO shaft tubes. Both lemon and triangular profile options are available to match your equipment configuration.

5. Full Safety Guard System
Every shaft ships with a complete PTO shaft cover guard assembly that meets CE safety directive requirements. The guard rotates freely on bearing-supported cones at both ends and includes integrated chains to prevent rotation with the shaft. This PTO shaft cover protects operators from entanglement hazards, which is one of the most common and serious injuries associated with exposed rotating agricultural PTO shafts on farms.

6. Multiple Size and Configuration Options
CMN Transmission offers this tractor PTO drive shaft in a range of PTO shaft sizes to cover the full Krone round baler lineup. Whether you need a CAT3 540 PTO shaft for the compact KR100 or a larger CAT4 configuration for the V 1800 MC, the correct shaft length, torque rating, and clutch type are available. Custom PTO shaft lengths and PTO shaft adapter options can also be supplied for non-standard tractor and baler setups.

How Does the Round Baler PTO Drive Shaft Work?

A tractor PTO shaft is a mechanical driveline that transfers rotational power from a tractor's power take-off (PTO) output stub to the input shaft of a trailed or mounted implement. In the case of this PTO shaft for Krone round baler, the system connects the tractor's rear 540 RPM PTO output to the baler's gearbox input, converting engine horsepower into the rotational force needed to drive the baler's pickup, rotor, and wrapping mechanisms.

Power transfer begins at the tractor end, where the PTO shaft yoke slides onto the tractor's splined PTO output stub (1.375-6 spline profile for 540 RPM operation). A spring-loaded locking collar secures the yoke in place, preventing the shaft from disengaging during operation. The tractor PTO output rotates at a governed speed of 540 RPM, and this rotation is transmitted through the first cross and bearing assembly of the constant velocity joint into the telescoping shaft tube section.

The telescoping section of this PTO driveline shaft consists of two profiled tubes (lemon or triangular cross-section) that slide within each other, allowing the overall shaft length to change as the distance between the tractor and baler varies during turns, field undulations, and hitch height adjustments. This telescoping action is essential because a rigid connection would bind or fracture as the implement tracks behind the tractor through varying geometry. The profiled tube shape ensures torque is transmitted through the sliding joint while permitting free axial movement.

At the baler end, the second constant velocity joint connects to the overload clutch assembly. The CV joints at both ends are the key engineering differentiator in this PTO drive shaft design. Unlike a standard double-cardan (Hooke joint) that creates cyclic speed variation when operating at an angle, a true constant velocity joint delivers perfectly uniform output speed regardless of the working angle between tractor and baler. This is critically important for round balers, where speed fluctuations can cause uneven bale density, accelerated wear on baler components, and excessive vibration transmitted back through the drivetrain.

The friction or cutout clutch mounted at the implement end acts as the system's safety device. During normal operation, the clutch transmits the full torque load from the shaft to the baler input. However, if the baler encounters an overload condition, such as a foreign object jamming the pickup mechanism or an overly large windrow stalling the bale chamber, the clutch slips momentarily or disengages entirely. This controlled release of torque prevents torsional shock from propagating through the driveline, protecting the tractor PTO gearbox, baler gearbox bearings, and the shaft itself from damage. After the blockage clears, the friction clutch re-engages automatically, while a cutout clutch requires manual reset.

Applications of PTO Shaft for Round Baler

1. Hay and Forage Baling
This round baler PTO shaft is primarily designed for producing round bales of hay, alfalfa, timothy, and mixed grass forage. It powers the baler's pickup reel, feeding augers, and bale chamber rollers through the entire cycle from windrow pickup to bale ejection. The constant velocity design is especially beneficial when baling on rolling terrain where angular changes between tractor and baler are frequent and significant.

2. Straw and Crop Residue Baling
After grain harvest, this PTO shaft for round baler drives Krone balers through straw, corn stover, and other crop residues. Straw baling often involves dry, abrasive material that can generate rapid torque spikes when the chamber fills unevenly. The integrated friction clutch on this tractor PTO shaft absorbs these transient loads, preventing damage to both the shaft and the baler internals while maintaining consistent bale quality throughout long straw baling runs.

3. Silage and Haylage Wrapping Operations
When baling high-moisture silage or haylage for wrapped storage, this PTO drive shaft must handle significantly higher torque loads because wet crop material is denser and more resistant to compression. The CAT4 (Size 6) configuration with the FT42 clutch rated at 1450 Nm or 1800 Nm is specifically suited for these demanding silage baling conditions on larger Krone models such as the V 1500 and V 1500 MC, where crop moisture content can exceed 60 percent.

4. Biomass and Industrial Feedstock Baling
This agricultural PTO shaft also supports biomass baling applications where switchgrass, miscanthus, reed canary grass, or other energy crops are baled for pellet production, co-firing, or cellulosic ethanol feedstock. These materials are often tougher and more fibrous than conventional hay, placing high sustained loads on the PTO driveline shaft. The heavy duty tubing and heat-treated universal joints in this assembly handle the continuous high-torque demands of commercial biomass harvesting operations.

5. Land Management and Conservation Baling
For conservation reserve programs, wildlife habitat management, and erosion control projects, this custom PTO shaft powers Krone balers through native prairie grasses, cattails, and other rough vegetation. These materials often contain woody stems and uneven windrow density that can cause sudden torque fluctuations. The overload clutch protection on this PTO shaft with slip clutch prevents driveline damage during these unpredictable loading conditions, making it a reliable choice for contract baling operators who work across diverse terrain and crop types.

How to Install PTO Shaft on Your Krone Round Baler

Proper installation of your new PTO shaft for Krone round baler is essential for safe operation, maximum service life, and warranty compliance. Before beginning, park the tractor on a level surface, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the ignition key. Allow all rotating components to come to a complete stop.

Step 1: Remove the old PTO shaft
Disconnect the existing shaft from both the tractor PTO output stub and the baler input stub. Pull back the spring-loaded locking collar on the tractor-end yoke and slide the yoke off the PTO spline. At the baler end, release the locking mechanism (pin or collar, depending on the clutch type) and separate the shaft from the baler input. Remove the complete old shaft assembly and set it aside. Inspect the tractor PTO output stub splines and the baler input splines for damage, wear, or debris. Clean both spline stubs thoroughly with a wire brush and apply a thin coat of multi-purpose grease.

Step 2: Check shaft length
Before connecting the new tractor PTO shaft, verify the collapsed and extended lengths against your tractor-to-baler distance. With the baler hitched and the drawbar at its normal working height, measure the distance between the tractor PTO stub face and the baler input stub face. The new shaft, when collapsed, should be shorter than this distance by at least 75mm (3 inches) to allow telescoping travel during operation. If the shaft is too long, the tubes can bottom out during tight turns and cause damage. If needed, CMN Transmission can provide a custom PTO shaft length to match your specific setup.

Step 3: Connect the tractor end
Identify the tractor-end yoke (the end without the clutch assembly). Align the splines on the yoke with the tractor PTO output stub. Pull back the locking collar and slide the yoke fully onto the spline until the collar snaps into the locking groove. Verify by pulling on the shaft that the collar is fully engaged and the yoke cannot slide off.

Step 4: Connect the baler end
The baler-end yoke is integrated with the friction or cutout clutch assembly. Align and slide this end onto the Krone baler input spline stub (1.375-6 profile). Secure with the appropriate locking collar or pin. Confirm the clutch housing clears all baler frame components and hoses throughout the full range of hitch articulation.

Step 5: Install the safety guard
Slide the PTO shaft cover guard tubes over the shaft, ensuring the bearing cones at each end seat onto the tractor and baler guard support brackets. Attach the anti-rotation chains so the guard tube cannot spin with the shaft. Verify the guard rotates freely by hand and does not contact the shaft at any point.

Step 6: Final checks
Articulate the tractor hitch through its full range of travel (up, down, left turn, right turn) and confirm the shaft telescopes smoothly without binding, and that the guard does not foul against any components. Start the tractor engine, engage the PTO at low RPM, and visually verify smooth rotation with no vibration or unusual noise before increasing to operating speed.

Maintenance Tips for Agricultural PTO Shafts

Regular maintenance of your tractor PTO shaft is essential for maximizing service life, maintaining safe operation, and preventing costly field breakdowns during peak baling season. Follow these guidelines to keep your PTO drive shaft in optimal condition.

• Greasing the Universal Joints and CV Joints
  The PTO shaft universal joint cross and bearing assemblies require regular greasing to prevent premature wear and failure. Use a high-quality EP2 lithium-complex grease and apply through the grease nipples (zerks) on each cross. Grease every 8 to 10 operating hours during the baling season, or at the start of each working day. When greasing, pump until fresh grease appears at all four bearing seals of each cross. Over-greasing is preferable to under-greasing for these components. The CV joint housing should also be checked for grease level annually; if the boot is intact, the factory fill is typically sufficient for one full season, but replace any cracked or torn CV boots immediately to prevent contamination.
• Telescoping Tube Lubrication
  The PTO shaft tube telescoping section should be separated, cleaned, and re-greased at least once per season, or more frequently when operating in dusty or sandy conditions. Slide the inner and outer tubes apart, clean the mating surfaces of old grease and debris, inspect for scoring or excessive wear, and apply a generous coat of multi-purpose grease before reassembly. Proper lubrication of the PTO shaft tubing prevents binding, reduces sliding friction, and protects against corrosion during off-season storage.
• Clutch Inspection and Adjustment
  Inspect the friction clutch or cutout clutch at the beginning and end of each baling season. For friction clutches (FT series), check the clutch plate thickness and spring tension. A worn friction clutch will slip under normal load, generating heat and reducing power transfer efficiency. Replace the clutch friction plates if thickness is below the manufacturer's minimum specification. For cutout clutches (K64/2), verify the reset mechanism operates smoothly and that the shear pin PTO shaft or ball detent engages and releases at the correct torque threshold.
• Safety Guard Inspection
  Before each use, verify the PTO shaft cover guard tubes rotate freely and are not cracked, deformed, or missing sections. Confirm the anti-rotation chains are intact and properly attached. Replace any damaged guard components immediately. Operating without a complete, functional guard assembly is extremely dangerous and violates safety regulations in most jurisdictions.
• Off-Season Storage
  At the end of the baling season, remove the PTO shaft from the tractor and baler, clean it thoroughly, grease all joints and the telescoping section, and store horizontally in a dry, covered location. Applying a light coat of rust-preventive oil to exposed metal surfaces will protect against corrosion during storage. Inspect all PTO shaft parts before reinstalling for the next season, and replace any worn cross and bearing kits, seals, or clutch components proactively to avoid in-season failures.

PTO Shaft Brand Comparison

How CMN Transmission compares with leading tractor PTO shafts brands in the market.