Heavy PTO shaft

I have a 9' BushHog, model 3209 O(offset) with the CV driveshaft.  That thing is HEAVY and a real pain to get connected....holding the weight up, pulling the shaft out, and getting the splines lined up all at the same time.  Taking the pressure off the cylinder I guess lets the stump jumpers on the ground, so the mower shaft is impossible to turn to align, so I have to turn the shaft off the tractor, which is naturally oily & only turns about 1 spline width anyhow. 

 

Can anybody suggest an easier way to connect?

Heavy PTO shaft