Discouraged by the work involved changing implements

[jenkinsph]

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.

Well I am over 60 too but I found that having multiple implements on hand was only useful if I could swap them on a whim. Otherwise I dreaded having to change them out and didn't get the intended use of them. So I switched over to the Imatch quick hitch set up and can now change them without a sweat. Most implements can be removed and another installed in a minute or two with no straining or cussin.

Might want to consider a new procedure instead, seems your might be out of date.

 

[Dozernut]

Put on a hydraulic top link and hook it up first. Then you can nudge the pins that are out of alignment on the implement with your top link. Having all the 3pt arms hooked up will help align the pto shaft. Sure saves my back. Spray the pto stub and coupler with PB Blaster and they will slide on fairly easy, unless you have burrs on your splines. Then you will need to get out a file or emery cloth.

You can go to TSC or Rural king and buy a pto extender if you decide to go with a quick hitch.

 

[Jim Shooz]

I have two of the problems sussed but one more still bugs me. I have a small trolly for maneuvering around tow bar hitch. In a previous life it was a wheeled stand under an old TV. The second point is to move the PTO drive to Mid. That allows the rear drive from the tractor to be freely moved to meet the PTO shaft rather than trying to turn the shaft to meet the drive. The one that has got me bugged is the turnbuckles on the stays. Opening them up to take the implement off and then readjusting for the new one gets old rather quickly.

 

[jeff9366]

I use a light spray of Fluid Film too. Grease can contain an air bubble, preventing connection.

I connect the PTO shaft, which extends, before the Lower Links; you have more room in which to work. (The tractor PTO guard, over the spline/shaft junction, flips up on both the Kubota I have owned, improving spline access considerably.)

I often make two or more implement changes per day, starting with one implement, usually a Box Blade or Cultipacker, as ballast counterbalancing the FEL. As I get a lot of practice making implement changes I have learned how to make implement changes, including PTO connections, RELATIVELY easily.

 

[jeff9366]

The one that has got me bugged is the turnbuckles on the stays. Opening them up to take the implement off and then readjusting for the new one gets old rather quickly.

Buy <$200 pin-adjustable rigid stabilizers, which replace turnbuckles, from Mark Hodge. I used STABILWORKS mech on my B3300SU with great satisfaction.

Age: 66 1/2

LINK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeh23Csx1QM

 

[Eyecatcher]

I'm 75, and still manage the implement changes. The secret I've found to the pto shafts, I keep a spray bottle of miner al spirits, and spray both pieces, then wipe off with a rag, apply a small coating of neversieze to the stub shaft, and it slips right on.

 

[coobie]

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.

I hear ya.I built carts with wheels to move my implements around.Life is much easier now.

 

[Tailrotor]

Here's my 2 cents. From my Box blade, to York rake , or Brush hog, Post hole digger. The number one thing I make sure is I am on level ground when I change them out. This alone saves me some cussing!! And from were I store my implements it's not level so I will take my front grapple or bucket and chain and move them to were it is level. This is the number one thing in changing implements out.

Next a hydraulic top link and Pat's easy change system of some type for your side links. And always hook your PTO shaft up last with tractor shut off. Theres my 2 cents and has made life much easier changing out implements. Good luck.

One more thing I have also painted a line ( Mark ) across my PTO shaft and collar were its goes together the easiest and always put it back together that way this way the wear stays the same and always goes right on. You can due this with all your PTO implements

 

[dave1949]

My hand strength isn't what it used to be either. For most people, hand strength can be improved though at any age through muscle building and toning exercises. Having something like rheumatoid arthritis is different of course.

For less than $20 you can get a pair of these hand exercise things.
Amazon.com: Hand Exercise Grips: Sports & Outdoors

Keep one at your desk and use it several times during the day. It will improve your finger, hand and forearm strength. I know I don't do enough to keep physically fit, but it really is a key part of aging gracefully.

 

[oldballs]

Lots of good ideas above. Being over 80 and 145 lbs, I've gone with the LandPride Quick Hitch. And "yes", you then need to buy or rebuild your PTO. And even with the QH, some implements won't fit .... unless you are a welder/builder...which I ain't. But those implements that don't fit are the lighter ones that are easier to muscle around. The QH is really good for the bigger and heavier implements. That hydraulic top link is a good idea and so is the roller platforms. And for just a few post holes, I dig them by hand.

I guess if none of these ideas work, I'd hang up your jock strap.