Bareco Parts for Howard Slashers and Rotary Hoes: Drive Shafts, Blades and Gearboxes

Last updated June 2026

Howard machinery has been a fixture on Australian farms for decades. The Howard Rotavator rotary hoe and Howard slashers are among the most widely used implements in the country, and there are a large number of them still working on properties across Australia. Finding replacement parts — drive shafts, blades, gearboxes — can be harder than it should be, particularly for older machines where the original dealer network has thinned out.

Bareco supplies a range of parts that suit Howard slashers and Howard Rotavator machines, available to order online through Uniclamp with delivery anywhere in Australia. This guide covers what is available and how to identify the right part for your machine.

Browse Bareco parts for Howard machines →

PTO Drive Shaft for Howard Machines — HB8105

The most common PTO drive shaft issue on Howard rotary hoes and slashers is the implement end connection. Howard machines typically use a bolt-on flange connection at the gearbox rather than the quick-release splined yoke found on most modern implements. A standard PTO shaft with a quick-release yoke will not connect correctly — the HB8105 is built specifically for this.

The Bareco HB8105 is a Series 8 PTO drive shaft rated to 100HP at 540 RPM, fitted with a flange yoke on the implement end for bolt-up connection to Howard gearboxes. The tractor end uses a standard 1-3/8" x 6-spline quick-release yoke that fits all common Australian tractor PTOs. Supplied complete with safety guard.

Specifications:

• Part number: HB8105
• Series: 8 (star profile tubing)
• Power rating: 100HP at 540 RPM
• Closed length: 130cm
• Tractor end: 1-3/8" x 6-spline quick-release yoke
• Implement end: flange yoke (bolt-on)
• Suits: Howard rotary hoes, slashers and other machines with flanged gearbox connections
• Includes: safety guard
• Spare parts stocked in Australia

If your Howard machine requires a different closed length or a different yoke combination, call 1300 027 886 to discuss alternatives from the Bareco drive shaft range.

View the Bareco HB8105 Drive Shaft →

Slasher Blades for Howard Slashers

Bareco 9981 Series slasher blade kits are available in dimensions and bolt patterns that suit Howard slashers directly, with cross-references to original Howard part numbers. Kits include matched blades plus the correct bolt, nut and bush hardware. Blade hardware (bolt/nut/bush assemblies) is also available separately for cases where the existing blades are serviceable but the hardware needs replacement.

Blades come in three bolt pattern types to match your slasher's rotor:

• NIB bolt — round dome head, requires matching NIB housing in the rotor
• Countersunk bolt — flush-fit, common on older Howard rotors
• Hexagon bolt — standard hex head, most widely used

Howard Slasher Blade Kits by Part Number

Each kit is a 2-blade set including bolt/nut/bush hardware. To identify the right blade: measure the blade length (A dimension, from centre of bolt hole to blade tip) and confirm the bolt pattern by inspecting your existing blades or rotor. If unsure, call 1300 027 886 with your Howard model number.

Replacement hardware kits — available separately when blades are still serviceable:

• B6467 — suits B6004A and B6004B (NIB and countersunk 360mm kits)
• B8466 — suits B6001B, B6002B, B6004B, B50B (countersunk kits)
• B6787 — suits B6001C, B6002C, B6004C, B50C (hexagon kits)
• B6786 — suits B6000A (485mm hexagon kit)

View Bareco slasher blade kits →

Rotary Hoe Blades for Howard Rotavator

Bareco 9998 Series replacement blades are available for Howard Rotavator machines in Standard, Speed and Long Shank profiles. The correct blade is identified by three measurements: the A dimension (radius from blade centre to tip), blade width at the fitting flange (B dimension), and bolt hole diameter (1/2" or 5/8").

Rotary hoe blades are handed — odd part numbers are left-hand, even numbers are right-hand. Rotary hoes require both in matched pairs. Blades are sold individually and boxed in lots of 20.

1/2" Bolt Hole Blades

5/8" Bolt Hole Blades

Blade types explained:

• Standard — general purpose, suits most cultivation and soil preparation work
• Speed — longer radius gives higher blade tip speed for more aggressive cutting, suited to harder or more compacted soils
• Long Shank — additional depth penetration for deeper cultivation

Fitting bolts (Grade 8 required):

• B2466 — 1-1/2" x 1/2", Grade 8, pack of 10 (suits 1/2" bolt hole blades)
• B2467 — 1-3/4" x 5/8", Grade 8, pack of 10 (suits 5/8" bolt hole blades)

To identify the right blade: measure your existing blade from centre of bolt hole to blade tip (A dimension) and measure the bolt hole diameter. If the original blades are beyond measurement, check your Howard Rotavator model number against your operator manual or call 1300 027 886.

View Bareco rotary hoe blades →

Slasher Gearboxes for Howard Slashers

When a Howard slasher gearbox fails beyond repair, the Bareco 9980 Series Q-range is the standard replacement path for Australian farmers. The Q-series uses a standard 1-3/8" 6-spline PTO input and a standard blade hub output, making it compatible with Howard slasher decks in most cases. The HB8105 drive shaft covers the flange yoke connection from the tractor PTO through to the gearbox input.

The Bareco slasher gearbox guide covers how to diagnose gearbox failure, choose the right HP rating, and select between the Q-series and T-series configurations. The full gearbox range covers 40HP to 200HP.

Ordering and Compatibility

Howard machines span several decades of production and a wide range of models — not all parts suit all machines. Where part numbers are cross-referenced in this guide (e.g. replaces Howard 78663), compatibility is based on matching the original Howard part specification. For models not listed, or where you are unsure, call 1300 027 886 with your Howard model number, serial number and the part you need and we will identify the correct Bareco equivalent.

All parts available to order online through Uniclamp with delivery to any Australian address.

Browse all Bareco parts →  |  Full Bareco parts range →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't a standard PTO shaft fit my Howard rotary hoe or slasher?

Howard machines typically use a bolt-on flange connection at the implement gearbox rather than the quick-release splined yoke found on most modern PTO shafts. A standard quick-release yoke will not connect to a flanged gearbox. The Bareco HB8105 is fitted with a flange yoke on the implement end specifically to suit Howard machines with this connection type.

How do I identify the right slasher blade for my Howard slasher?

Measure two things on your existing blade: the A dimension (radius from centre of bolt hole to blade tip) and the bolt hole diameter. Then check the bolt pattern type — NIB, countersunk or hexagon. Match these to the table above or call 1300 027 886 with your Howard model number and we can confirm the correct kit.

How do I identify the right rotary hoe blade for my Howard Rotavator?

Measure the A dimension (blade radius from centre to tip) and the bolt hole diameter (1/2" or 25mm, or 5/8" or 16mm). These two measurements determine the correct blade. Blades are handed — order one left-hand and one right-hand part number for each pair position on the rotor. Grade 8 bolts are required for fitting.

Can I use a Bareco Q-series gearbox to replace a failed Howard slasher gearbox?

In most cases yes — the Q-series uses a standard 1-3/8" 6-spline PTO input and a standard blade hub output that suits most Howard slasher decks. Verify the HP rating and output configuration against your slasher specifications before ordering. Call 1300 027 886 if you are unsure — our team can cross-reference your Howard model against the Bareco gearbox range.

Are Bareco Howard slasher blades double-sided?

The B6999 is a double-sided blade suiting left and right rotation, covering various slashers including Superior and Page brands. The Howard-specific blade kits (B6001, B6002, B6004, B50) are single-sided. Double-sided blades extend service life as the blade can be flipped when one face wears out.