Discouraged by the work involved changing implements

[Alan L.]

Bought my Kubota B2710 new back in 1999 and it has been great. But as I get older I am finding it harder and harder to change out implements to the point many times I just don't do what I planned because for example I know I will need my tiller in a month and it is on the tractor now and I don't want to take it off and put the post hole digger on for 3 post holes, then take it off and put the tiller back on. By the time I get an implement changed I am worn out especially when its hot. I know there are quick connects for the lower links which might help some (never tried them) but my PTO shafts I sawed off to fit would then probably be too short, plus about 60% of the effort in changing out an implement is getting that blasted PTO hooked up. Just can't seem to get any leverage and get the power to get it on there. Have to pull back the sleeve (or holding a button down) while pushing at the same time and it just is not natural. I realize both male and female have to be clean and greased and I make sure I do that, but it still is not easy. If somebody REALLY made it easy to change out implements they would have it made.

 

[k0ua]

Bought my Kubota B2710 new back in 1999 and it has been great. But as I get older I am finding it harder and harder to change out implements to the point many times I just don't do what I planned because for example I know I will need my tiller in a month and it is on the tractor now and I don't want to take it off and put the post hole digger on for 3 post holes, then take it off and put the tiller back on. By the time I get an implement changed I am worn out especially when its hot. I know there are quick connects for the lower links which might help some (never tried them) but my PTO shafts I sawed off to fit would then probably be too short, plus about 60% of the effort in changing out an implement is getting that blasted PTO hooked up. Just can't seem to get any leverage and get the power to get it on there. Have to pull back the sleeve (or holding a button down) while pushing at the same time and it just is not natural. I realize both male and female have to be clean and greased and I make sure I do that, but it still is not easy. If somebody REALLY made it easy to change out implements they would have it made.

How much money do you have?

John Deere I-match with Auto Hitch.

John Deere Media Player

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Simple buy another tractor.

My neighbor had the same problem, had a BX with deck and bagger with weight bracket on the front and did not want to take everything off to use tiller or loader so he just went and bought a second BX with loader mounts and now he has 2 BX tractors. His wife has no complaints as long as he stays outside on the tractors and does not complain.

David Kb7uns

 

[Alan L.]

I need 5 tractors - tiller, brush hog, post hole digger, box blane, spreader. Then I need another building to park them in.

 

[k0ua]

But not of that is going to help with your post hole digger. It will still need to go on as before. I am told the key to easy post holde mounting is having the proper PHD stand built on your property to hand the PHD from on overhead structure. You will still need to hook up the PTO.. I find the Push button ones to be the easiest. And the more you put it on and take it off, the easier it gets because you are more skilled at doing it. I used to have trouble, no I have no trouble. It is a matter of practice.

 

[jenkinsph]

_+1 for the IMatch and also would recommend you use a light oil instead of heavy grease for the pto connection. I find the push button type lock easier to work with than the pull back ring collar too.

 

[2458n]

A six foot spud bar became my friend as I got older and grew tired of swapping implements. Sometimes that last 1/4 inch is the hardest.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm with you Alan, I hate dealing with sliding the driveshaft onto the PTO. I've tried a variety of lubricants, but nothing has helped. I'm at the point where I won't change out the mower during summer because I don't want to deal with putting it back on again. If I need some post holes dug, I usually wait until fall when I'm going to put the disk on anyway. Or I just dig them by hand. I can do that faster then I can change from one to the other and back again!!!!

Eddie

 

[Alan L.]

I think after nearly 15 years I have pretty much nailed down the procedure (but still open to ANY suggestions). Just physically getting too hard for a near 60 year old that sits at a desk all day the rest of the week.

 

[Jack3489]

Alan, being an older guy than you might I offer a couple of ideas I use. I have a flail mower, rototiller, box blade, post hole digger, etc. I use a pair of moving dollies under each of the implements. This allows me to move the implements around by myself to align to the tractor for 3 point hookup. For the PHD I use a heavy duty hand truck which has the PHD strapped to the truck and the drive shaft hook to the top of the truck with a strap. Have a board attached to the bottom of the hand truck for the auger to rest on. This allows me to move the PHD by myself.

I use Fluid Film on the pto shaft. Just spray it every time you hook it up. The biggest problem is getting the pto output shaft splines aligned to the drive shaft. I used a black marker to mark the driveline splines. This allows me to rotate the tractor's pto shaft by hand to align to the driveline.

Hope these tricks help.

Regards,
Jack