Tractor/implement PTO connection mechanism

A connection mechanism for connecting an implement to a tractor power take-off (PTO), comprising:

• a PTO adapter shaft mounted to the implement, the PTO adapter shaft having adapter splines;
• a PTO stub shaft, the PTO stub shaft having stub splines for meshing engagement with the adapter splines;
• a coupler frame adapted to be attached to the implement;
• and
• an adapter holder mounted to the coupler frame, the adapter holder receiving and rotatably supporting the PTO adapter shaft, the adapter holder and the PTO adapter shaft being movable with respect to the coupler frame;
• and
• a resilient member coupled between the coupler frame and the adapter holder, the resilient member being biased to urge the adapter holder and the PTO adapter shaft towards the PTO stub shaft,
• wherein the adapter holder has a hollow main body and a hollow front flange which forms an annular wall which engages the resilient member, and wherein the resilient member is mounted around the hollow main body of the adapter holder,
• wherein the PTO adapter shaft has a first bore forming the adapter splines and has a second bore extending from the first bore to an end wall which faces towards the first bore, the first bore having a diameter that is greater in size than that of the second bore;
• and the PTO stub shaft has a first portion forming the stub splines externally thereon, and has a second portion extending away from the first portion, the first portion having a diameter that is greater in size than that of the second portion h, the second portion having an outer end with a chamfer, and the second portion having first and second journals formed thereon, the first journal being spaced axially apart from the second journal, the first and second journals being slidably received by the second bore.