3 pt hitch chain adjustment question

[wojnaroski]

I have a sub cut with a 5' box blade. How tight should the chains be? How much side to side movement should the box blade have?

Thanks, Alan

 

[greg_g]

Depends on the job. For sure, you want them tight enough so the lift arms can't hit the inside of the rear tires. After that, it depends if you're going to do a lot of straight line work, or do a lot of curves and turn-around work (with the blade on the ground). If straight line work - or if you'll lift the blade while turning around - tighten them all the way up. If there'll be a lot of work on curves, give yourself some trailing slack.

I'm wondering though if a five footer isn't too much box blade for a half ton on turf tires?

//greg//

 

[JerryG]

The pivot centers are off on some tractors at the front of the chains and bars. I don't know if your model is one or not. If the centers are off and you get the sway adjuster tight, something will break as the arms go up. Leave them just a little loose until you get them raised, so that you can them look to see if it is all right. I would hate to see someone break his or her tractor.