While we're doing rookie questions -

[ddl]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

about your freedpm hitch. How far off center can you be and still complete the hook up. The problem these guys are having is backing up to the piece of equipment. Looking at the freedom hitch or others like them, you stiill have to back up to a point, with a little +/- . If you are having problems backing up to a point, where you can open the 3 pt arms at least 6 inches on each side, do you have that much give in the hitch. I can see the hitch making it easier to connect for you do not have to get off the tractor, but don't you still have to hit the center to start the connection?

DanL

 

[JackIL]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

To connect to the implement with FH, the tractor has to be backed up approximately on centerline but it can be offset left or right maybe an inch or so. The tractor needs to be approximately perpendicular to the implement, but here it is more forgiving. As long as the tractor section of the hitch is low enough to go under the implement section and can start up into the inverted triangular groove when the hitch is raised, the implment will be pulled into alignment and the latch snaps into place. Implements need to be self-supporting (such as a typical box scraper) or if not (such as a typical rear utility blade) then need to have a stand that holds them in a normal working position so the tractor section can match up to the implement section. FH now has an accessory leg stand that mounts on the implement section of the hitch to support the implement for this purpose. Once connected the leg stand needs to be raised to full up position to get it out of the way.

 

[Bird]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

<font color=blue>I have the skid shoes adjusted for maximun depth so the tiller rests on the tines when off the tractor.</font color=blue>

Mine, too, so I just park it with the skids on short pieces of 4 x 4.

Bird

 

[ronjhall]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

Rob
I sure like your tiller dolly./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I have already started to measure my tiller to make one.

How do you keep your tiller looking like new?/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Mine looks like it is very old after only about a hour of tilling./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif See attached picture. Maybe I should have gotten a <font color=green>LP</font color=green> instead of <font color=orange>Kubota<font color=orange>?

 

[Wheeldog]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

Thanks, Ron. The frame is just your basic 2x4 construction screwed together, with casters at each corner. Based on what I now know, I'd recommend you put small tires at each corner instead of the casters. The casters are rated plenty high, but they tend to get crapped up and not want to rotate like they should.

As for why my tiller looked so clean - it was brand new when the picture was taken. It now looks more like yours, with the tines a little scraped up and plenty of dirt. I'm pretty happy with how it's performed - it makes a pretty impressive racket with all the rocks flying around under there, but I can't see any signs of real damage.

Rob

 

[ddl]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

So in what you are saying, if you need a pry bar to do the alignment, a freedom Hitch will not help, for just the sway in the 3 pt arms gives you more +/- than one inch. Thank you for your response, it is as I thought, these guys should do a little practice backing up. You would think that if they are out of alignment, they would just drive forward and reback. A little practice and the problem is solved. I still like the idea of the freedom hitch, if I could only afford one. Learning to back up is cheaper!!!

Dan L

 

[WVBill]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

Jack:

How does your Freedom Hitch work with implements requiring the PTO.

When I hook up my rototiller, I find that if I hook up the lower arms and the toplink before the PTO shaft, I don't have enough play to get the PTO shaft hooked up.

I have to hook up my lower arms, then roll the tiller forward or backward to get the PTO shaft to line up, then roll it further forward to get the toplink hooked up. The toplink for my rototiller is not a normal adjustable toplink. It is a special one (Kubota rototiler/Kubota tractor) that gives no play in the fore-aft direction.

 

[Rch]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

WVBill,I have the same deal with my LandPride 2560; I back-up within an inch or 2, connect the PTO, then finish backing-up to connect the lower arms and top link.

RCH

 

[WVBill]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

Hmmm... Connect the PTO shaft first. I hadn't thought of that. I'll try it that way next time. Thanks.

 

[JackIL]

Re: While we\'re doing rookie questions -

WVBill,
I currently have no PTO implements with Freedom Hitch, but I previously had a Woods Rear Discharge Mower with it. There was no problem at all in attaching. I just backed up and connected the implement, got off the tractor, and connected the PTO. With regard to your "special" top link for the rototiller I don't know what to say. When using FH, you normally use the standard top link that came with your tractor to connect to the tractor section of the FH. You don't switch top links from one implement to another. FH is now available with a hydraulic top link as well. When using FH with a rear mower or rotary cutter an extra small link is provided to connect the implement mast to the top of the FH implement section. This allows for pitching motion of the deck with respect to the tractor when traversing hills and valleys. (It is the same type of link found on many rotary cutters as standard equipment.)