Dumb question - cat 2 hitch

   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #1  

doxford jim

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2007
Messages
1,007
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Tractor
1959 MF-65 sold, 2007 Jinma 554 diesel.
Hi Everyone,

I have a MF-65 that I want to replace with another tractor that is a 55hp, cat 2 hitch. I don't yet own it but would like to have it. Here is the question.
Will class 1 hitch implement fit class 2 - or rather, can I use a class 1 implement (say snow blower, wood chipper etc.) on a tractor with class 2 hitch?
As you have probably guessed, I am new to this and it suddenly dawned on me, that I may not be able to use the class 1 hitch implements on a bigger tractor. I am hoping it is just a matter of using bushings to be able to use the correct size pins. I know the arms are suppose to be wider apart, but don't know for sure.

I would appreciate one you more knowledgeable chaps putting me right. Perhaps explaining to a newbie, what he can and cannot do before he makes an expensive mistake.

Thanks in advance

Jim
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #2  
You knew the answer to your question already. Bushings.
I have Cat 2 3PH and use bushings for the Cat 1 implements. Never had a problem.
Get your new tractor and don't worry anymore.
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #3  
Adapter bushings and side link adjustments will make them fit. You could also change implement lift pins to the hybrid Cat 2/1 type (Cat 2 pin, Cat 1 threads). But none of this will guarantee they'll still perform effectively behind the bigger tractor. When I upgraded from a Cat 1 tractor to a Cat 2, I quickly started inflicting damage on my Cat 1 implements. Too much power for the lighter duty construction. I ended up trading a lot of implements for their bigger brothers.

Another consideration is the new tractor's footprint. Implements like mowers/tillers/rakes/et cetera should operate at a width equal to or greater than the tire tracks (rakes should still be at least as wide as the tracks when indexed to the narrowest diagonal working position).

//greg//
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #4  
On implements that I only use occasionally, I use the bushings. On ones that are more frequently used, I switched over to Cat II pins. The pins don't cost much and are easily replaced, but make sure you install them tightly. I use a 3/4" drive long handled ratchet and a 28" pipe wrench. They will work loose and elongate the holes if you don't. You will appreciate the higher lift capacity of the Cat II, and since it is a bigger tractor, the added tractor weight will give you more traction and ability.
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #5  
doxford jim said:
Hi Everyone,

I have a MF-65 that I want to replace with another tractor that is a 55hp, cat 2 hitch. I don't yet own it but would like to have it. Here is the question.
Will class 1 hitch implement fit class 2 - or rather, can I use a class 1 implement (say snow blower, wood chipper etc.) on a tractor with class 2 hitch?
As you have probably guessed, I am new to this and it suddenly dawned on me, that I may not be able to use the class 1 hitch implements on a bigger tractor. I am hoping it is just a matter of using bushings to be able to use the correct size pins. I know the arms are suppose to be wider apart, but don't know for sure.

I would appreciate one you more knowledgeable chaps putting me right. Perhaps explaining to a newbie, what he can and cannot do before he makes an expensive mistake.

Thanks in advance

Jim
Check the balls in the lift arms of the tractor you're looking to buy. My Case DX55 has both Cat I and Cat II holes in each ball. All I have to do is spin the ball 1/4 turn as I hook up an implement, and I can attach to either size.
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #6  
The 4120 tractor is a "tweener". A lot of my implements are set up to have Cat 1 and 2 connectors. Usually the Cat2 are on the outside of the implement, the Cat1 on the inside. The only issue I had was one implement, which was allegedly Cat1/2, the top link would only take a Cat2 connector. So, I bought a special top link which is Cat1 on the tractor end and Cat2 on the implement end.
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch #7  
Hey be thankful you have a Cat 2 tractor because you can bushing the Cat 1 implement pins. If you have a Cat 1 tractor you cannot use Cat 2 implements unless all implement pins are swapped.
 
   / Dumb question - cat 2 hitch
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Hey Guys,

Thanks for your comments - they are what I was hoping for, but didn't know for sure. At least now I am confident that the larger tractor can be used with the cat1 implements with bushings and a lot of care.

As always, the information coming from you guys helps the uninformed out.
Thanks again, your replies are greatly appreciated.

Jim
 
 
 
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