Alternative adjustable lift rod on 3PH

SacandagaBrad · Oct 5, 2006

I had a few minutes to kill tonight waiting for a pizza so I wandered around the NH dealership after hours to kick some tires. I was looking at a TC-31DA and really liked the crank style adjustable lift rod on the right side of the 3PH. I know they have been around forever. Looks like it would be much easier to use than the spinning barrel/double ended type on my TC-24D. Easier to turn and no locking nut to mess with.

Does anyone know if they are available in the Cat I size that would fit my machine? I do a lot of road grading and am constantly adjusting mine, just takes a lot of time and effort getting a grip on the barrel. The ultimate would be to get a TNT, but that's just not in the cards right now.

If my wife finds out I was at the tractor yard and only want one simple, relatively inexpensive item, she will actually be thrilled!

Thanks - Brad

jinman · Oct 6, 2006

Hi Brad, can you give us some dimensions? How about a picture so we can see how the top of your turnbuckle attaches to the rockshaft lift arm? I'm pretty sure the bottom fork on the swinging sidelink arm would be adaptable, but I don't know how the turnbuckle attaches at the top. It might take a little cutting/welding, but I'd bet one could be adapted for your tractor.

jwstewar · Oct 6, 2006

I'm not Brad, but here is a picture I took of mine awhile make when I lost the bolt on the other side. The top is basically a ball link.

SacandagaBrad · Oct 6, 2006

The crank style I want is shown on the NH website. Go to the TC-31DA features page and click on the last feature - Hitch level. It shows it fairly well. Just not sure if they make one for the Cat I. Also interested to hear if anyone has used this type and likes it. Maybe I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow.

Brad

Boomerboy · Oct 7, 2006

Hey SacandagaBrad,

My wife just can't understand how poking around the tractor yard after hours is of any interest, let alone stopping while on vacation at a yard after hours 'cause I had an idea in my head that I just had to check out/visualize. I know, I know, dear, shopping for hours in multiple stores without needing anything is not the same thing.

Anyway, I have the Lift arm you mentioned on my TC29D. It is handy, but even though there is a hold down clip on the crank handle, it does pop loose every once in a while and I have to readjust.

My TC29D is a Cat. 1 3PH. I can't imagine the TC31D having anything other than a Cat. 1. My buddy just purchased a TC45DC, and at that size it is still a Cat. 1. I had to check, don't you know, to be sure he wasn't investing his money in something keeping me from borrowing his attachments!

SacandagaBrad · Oct 7, 2006

Boomerboy,

Interesting! I just assumed bigger tractor, bigger hitch. But we all know what happens when we ASSUME. Could you take a measurement of the rod extended and contracted to its fullest. It might just be the same and I can order one from the dealer.

Thanks

drm · Oct 7, 2006

Brad,

I have a TC33DA with the crank adjustment on the TPH lift arm and it makes adjustment significantly easier. You still need to unload the arm (rest implement on ground, adjust, raise and repeat) if you are raising a heavy (500#+/-) attachment and the keeper can allow the crank handle to loosen-up under use. Still I would not want a std lift arm adjustment after using it.

I am laid up after knee surgery and can not go measure it now but if I get out there next week I will post the size.

…Derek

Soundguy · Oct 8, 2006

My ex NH 1920 had a crank adjustable handle, and a nifty wire bail that clicked down over it to keep the handle in place. I'd bet many o fthe cat 1 ford/NH units previous to the T? series had that setup.

I'd imagine if it was not a bolt in replacement.. it might at least be a 'weld in' replacement.

I had to replace the adjustable link on my yanmar years ago.. I got the generic crank adjuster link from tsc. the bottom clevis fit the lift arm fine. the top one I torched off, and then welded the fitting on from my old arm...

worked perfect..

Soundguy

jinman said:
Hi Brad, can you give us some dimensions? How about a picture so we can see how the top of your turnbuckle attaches to the rockshaft lift arm? I'm pretty sure the bottom fork on the swinging sidelink arm would be adaptable, but I don't know how the turnbuckle attaches at the top. It might take a little cutting/welding, but I'd bet one could be adapted for your tractor.

jinman · Oct 8, 2006

Soundguy, I think you are correct. Brad could probably change the mounting if he has to. On the older tractors like our NAAs, the handcrank is mounted with a pin into a yoke at the top, but the newer ones have a hitch ball that is just like the ends of the lower lift arms. I'm attaching two pictures: The first is the old NAA style and the second is the handcrank moved to the left arm after I installed a tilt cylinder on the right.

Brad, I think the only problem you might have is turning the handcrank with an implement on your 3PH. Your arm is very close to your wheel. That may be why NH put the turnbuckle type on your tractor.

Soundguy · Oct 9, 2006

My yanmar also had that ball setup.. i think you can buy the ballends and sockets at tsc to weld on. I can't remember if my 1920 had the ball end.. but i think it may have.

Soundguy