Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Remove power shaft to mower deck, shaft coupler, pto shaft

Question
Hi Michael,
I have a John Deere 400 tractor (1997), which I bought from other recently. It came with a snow blower attachment. I can put it on. I also can remove the mower deck. But I don't know how to remove the power shaft with a U-joint from transmission, which rotate the mover blades. If I don't remove the shaft to the mover I have to keep the mower on while using the snow blower. If I remove the mower without removing the shaft with the U-joint, the shaft will be free rotate to hit parts around it. Could you please give me your advice on how to remove it?
Thank you so much for your help.
Jian


Answer
Hi Jian,

I'm not sure on your model, how the drive shaft coupler is detached.  Are there front and rear facing PTO shafts?  On a Bolens tractor that I used to have, the coupler had a ring on the end, which was moved to one side to unlock it from the PTO shaft.  Take a look at yours and try to locate and move something similar.  I can't imagine a design where tools would be required.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael