Hi all. I've got a '77 111 rider that is giving me fits. The bolt that holds the electric PTO on the output keeps backing out. The engine is an upgraded 12hp (from the original 11hp), and the PTO is one season old. The first time it fell off last Oct, it jarred the engine enough to break the flywheel at the keyway. I just put on a replacement flywheel last week, and I had reinstalled the PTO last fall with a lock washer. The threads in the output shaft, and on the bolt are fine. Is there a proper torque spec for this bolt? I've reefed it down hard the last tyime and it fell of before completing my first mowing of the year. Should I coat the bolt with lock-tight? Impact the snot out of it? Help, ideas?!?!

Can't say for sure as I have no manuals for a 111. I have run across something in the manual for another Deere, vertical shaft engine, that recommended always replacing the bolt with a new one. The one I got from Deere for that one, a GT275 Kawasaki, had what appeared to be a self locking compound on the bolt threads.
I would also get new washer(s) listed for your model. Won't cost much, but if it solves the problem, you'll be happy!
Also, be sure to check the PTO end of the crank for runout. If it is bent, it may be the real problem.
The dealer can likely tell you the torque for the bolt, too.
Good luck,

tommyhawk

It looks like blue loc-tite was the answer. 2 full cuttings so far and it's stayed on.