Key Takeaways

• CV drivelines deliver constant rotational speed across a wide operating angle range, reducing vibration and wear on pulled implements.

• Three major manufacturers produce CV drivelines: Weasler Engineering, Bondioli & Pavesi, and Walterscheid.

• Flex wing mowers, round hay balers, haybines and mower conditioners (MOCOs), grain augers, and peanut harvesters are the strongest candidates for CV driveline use.

• Choose a 50-degree CV for primarily stationary work and an 80-degree CV for operations requiring continuous movement and frequent angle changes.

• Lubricate every eight working hours and replace the full CV assembly when damage is found, piecemeal repairs are rarely cost-effective.

Running a traditional Power Take-Off (PTO) driveline on equipment designed for high operating angles accelerates cross and bearing wear, generates vibration, and can cause premature failure in the field. Constant Velocity (CV) drivelines address these problems directly by maintaining constant rotational speed regardless of shaft angle. Understanding how to select the right CV driveline and maintain it correctly extends service life and keeps implements running at rated capacity. 

What Are the Benefits of a CV Driveline?

A CV driveline uses a connected universal joint assembly to deliver constant power at a constant rotational speed across a wide range of motion. Compared to traditional PTO, CV drivelines support larger operating angles, higher-speed applications, improved turning capability, and significantly reduced vibration. That last point matters on rough terrain: reduced vibration translates directly to less wear on both the driveline and the implement. 

How Is a CV Driveline Identified?

Three major manufacturers produce CV drivelines: Weasler Engineering, Bondioli & Pavesi, and Walterscheid. The core components of a CV driveline are the same as traditional PTO with one key difference: the center housing, which connects the universal joint yoke assembly from the tractor to the driveline shaft. An extended cross and bearing kit is available for higher-capacity applications. Many setups also include a clutch on the implement end for overload protection, heat dissipation, and torque balancing. For replacement components, see RBH's Driveline Components inventory. 

Which Implements Should Use a CV Driveline?

CV drivelines are the right choice for pulled implements operating between 540 and 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The best-suited equipment includes: 

• Flex wing mowers (batwing cutters)

• Round hay balers

• Primary shafts on haybines and mower conditioners (MOCOs)

• Grain augers and carts

• Peanut harvesters

• Most pulled-type implements

These implements benefit most because they operate at PTO speeds well-matched to CV driveline capability, and they are commonly used on terrain with steep inclines and ditches where the CV's extended angle range provides a real operational advantage. 

Does My CV Need to Be 50 Degrees or 80 Degrees?

Weasler Engineering produces two CV configurations. The 50-degree CV is rated for a maximum angle of 50 degrees and is suited to primarily stationary or short-duration work. Equipment well-matched to the 50-degree CV includes: 

• Post-hole diggers

• Stationary grain augers in a fixed upright position

• Vertical feed mixers used in place

• Wood chippers

The 80-degree CV handles a maximum angle of 80 degrees and is designed for continuous movement and frequently changing angles. Equipment well-matched to the 80-degree CV includes: 

• Secondary shafts on haybines and MOCOs

• Grain augers and carts

• Most stationary-type equipment as well

Weasler  also offers an "Equal Arm" CV joint as an upgrade to the 80-degree design. It features a lighter center housing, easier grease access, and a standard cross and bearing kit with equal dimensions. 

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific implement before selecting a CV angle rating, as requirements can vary by application and load conditions. 

What Are the Maintenance Tips for CV Drivelines?

To inspect a CV joint, remove the guard from the assembly. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift the red tab on the guard, then rotate it until the notches align with the pegs on the guard bearing. Pull the joint out to inspect. If damage is found, replacing the entire CV assembly is more economical than repairing it component by  component. 

The two most common causes of CV failure are inadequate lubrication and over-angling the shaft. Operating beyond the rated angle limits shortens the effective service life of the joint. Lubricate the CV every eight working hours for optimal performance. For complete CV assemblies and replacement kits, see RBH's Driveline Assemblies.

Need Help?

If you are selecting a CV driveline for a new implement, need replacement components, or want help identifying the right angle rating for your application, contact us today or call us at 800-669-9650 and we will help you find the right driveline for your equipment. 

We have 11 locations across the Southeast and Midwest, including Knoxville, TN; Marietta, GA; Orlando, FL; Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Fort Worth, TX; Benton, IL; Madisonville, KY; Princeton, WV; Birmingham, AL; and Calvert City, KY.