Proper Hookup to 3PH

[Dave41]

I just want to be sure I'm hooking up my RFM to the 3 point hitch properly. Neither the tractor nor mowers operators manual clearly specifies the sequence or how to properly set things up.
First off, I lowered the 3PH, backed off the turn buckles to open up the spread adjustment and hooked up the left arm (non adjustable lift rod) to the mower. Then I adjusted the lift rod on the right side to line up the right arm and connect it to the mower. Then snugged up the turn buckles for minimal lateral sway and finally hooked up and adjusted the top link.
Is this correct. Does it matter which arm gets hooked up first?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[RoyJackson]

You got it right...pretty intuitive, isn't it?

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Dave,
I have to 2nd Roys statement. It doesn't sound to me like you need any instructions.

 

[Steve_in_Ont]

Dave - Remember - the lower links should be able to move sid-to-side a slight bit... Don't tighten up the turnbuckles too much.

Also, the top link should be adjusted so that the mower raises flat to the ground (too short - the 3ph picks up the back of the mower too much/too soon, too long - it picks up the front too much/too soon).

Good luck!

 

[chim]

For a finish mower, I usually have the toplink extended enough so the rear end of the mower can swivel down on uneven ground. This allows it to cut the grass evenly when cresting a hill, for example. Sometimes when mowing along the road, or somewhere else I'm afraid of the blades bottoming out, I'll tighten up on the toplink and raise the lift arms so the deck is level and supported by the tractor instead of its own casters.

If this is a new "mating"of tractor and mower, be sure the PTO shaft is short enough. I bought two new RFM's so far, and both had shafts that needed trimmed off - would have bound up when the deck was lifted and the shaft telescoped all the way together............chim

 

[Dave41]

Thanks all for the confirmation. Seemed intuitive, but I wasn't 100% certain. As for lateral sway, I left about 1/4" of play in each of the arms. From reading prior posts, I did check the PTO shaft length, and fortunately it did not require shortning. The mower has 4 wheels and a floating hitch design. I set the top link per the instructions, approximately 30 degrees down from the horizontal direction.
Thanks again,
Dave