Drag harrow conversion to 3-pt harrow ???'s

[jjmarotz]

Currently have 2 sections (4'x10' total), hooked to pull bar and cable that hooks to the drawbar. I want to build a 3 pt setup so I can use reverse on the tractor to get the harrows into pasture corners, between trees, across driveway, better winter storage area, etc. that currently as a drag setup I can't, also I love the ability to use my Imatch quik hitch.
Now the ?? I have is which style is better----

3 Point or
McFarlane Mfg. Co. Inc. - Flexharrows

I want them both to be independent of each other as I have some uneven ground. Also, when I build the 3pt A frame how do I keep it from floping backwards onto the harrows when not in use, since it will be mounted on the current round draw pipe??

My thoughts are to combine ideas from both types..as in use the chain type to the back of harrows (1st link), and the suspended style (2nd link) to connect the front of them to the bar. This would allow full floatation of them, right?

Thanks for any and all input!!! Here's a pic of what I currently have--

 

[rayh76]

Thanks for sharing the picture. I have 3 sections of old harrows laying out back that was left on my property when I bought it. I was considering taking two of them and putting together as you have done. Do you have a 3 pt boom? I thought that maybe I could take some chains and hook onto the boom to lift it up and carry it around. That is what I am planning on...someday.

 

[studor]

I bought six sections of spike harrows at an auction and use my boom pole (also bought at an auction) to raise and lower them on the three point-- works like a charm

 

[JoeinTX]

No problem.

To get the amount of flexibility you want, I would simply build a 3pt frame assembly on the drag pipe (the red one that all the gangs are chained to) and then attached that assembly to the middle/backs of the gangs via chain very similarly to the way it's done on the Marten's harrow in the first link you included. When figuring the chain lengths needed I would have the whole thing hooked up to your tractor in whatever "optimum" pulling position to want to use so that everything is reasonable level and even.


Keep the 3pt assembly vertical when unhooked? Weld a piece of pipe/metal to the back of the drag pipe at a 90 degree angle to prevent it from rotating backwards when sitting on the ground......or just find a nice piece of wood to prop it up.

 

[Egon]

A link to a site that will have pictures of what you want.

Buhler

 

[jjmarotz]

Thanks for the replies. As far as the boom pole method....I'm trying to also compact the size of things so going in and out of gates is easier. May work in a pinch, but the 3pt is top of the list, as I have 2 corrals and 2 pastures to maintain.

Think I may be able to get them out of the snowbank this weekend and start workin on them.

 

[Soundguy]

angle iron box frame with supports.. then loosly attach drag to box with pieces of chain... now.. use a boom pole to lift box, but have a 'pull' chain from the center lower support of the boom pole where the dawbar is to drag the contraption..

soundguy

 

[studor]

I am not sure you can get it more compact than with the boom pole. The front pipe can be attached to either the pole or lift arms as far forward as possible without hitting the wheels. The back end can then be chained to the boom pole in as many spots as needed to lift it evenly. If you use a three point a-frame and rig up a lifting system I think it will be much the same as SoundGuy describes substituting the a-frame for the pole
I find the boom pole handy because I can lift the harrow higher than I could with just a three point a-frame - JMHO

 

[jjmarotz]

Update to the harrow conversion.....
Got the frame all bent and welded Friday nite, chains installed and tried them out on Sat for a bit. Still need to adjust the chains a bit, but with the qwik links I can adjust that easy enuf. So far I love the idea of finally being able to cross my gravel drive without tearing it to shreds, and being able to use reverse to get to ALL corners of pastures and around the barn!!!!!

I used 3/8" x 3" flat bar for the frame and added the additional square box inside the A-frame to help stiffen things up. Here's a couple pics....

 

[Peej]

great build and gotta love the door art!